Protesters gathered along the Clovis Old Town Trail near Shaw and Clovis Avenues in Clovis for the fourth wave of “No Kings” rallies on October 17, 2026.
LILIANA FANNIN
Over one thousand Fresno and Clovis residents took to the streets to protest President Donald Trump’s agenda and urge midterm voter participation in the fourth major nationwide wave of “No Kings” demonstrations on Saturday.
The renewed wave comes at an activating time for many across the Central Valley, as increased Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations have swept the region since early October. Throngs of people came out in support of immigrant rights and protecting democracy, while denouncing many of Trump’s policies, including those on the economy and the Iran war.
“The general state of where we are as a country is just not a very good place,” said Roy McBrearty, who joined his family at the Fresno rally. “I just feel like what makes America great is immigrants, not what our current administration believes.”
Protesters gathered peacefully near the Fashion Fair Mall on Shaw Avenue between Blackstone Avenue and First Street in Fresno, and along the Clovis Old Town Trail near Shaw and Clovis Avenues. The sidewalks became a hub of chanting, singing, waving flags, playing music and holding up handmade signs throughout the afternoon.
Protesters gathered peacefully near the Fashion Fair Mall on Shaw Avenue between Blackstone Avenue and First Street in Fresno for the fourth wave of “No Kings” rallies on October 17. LILIANA FANNIN
At least 10 No Kings demonstrations took place across the Central Valley on Saturday, including in Merced, Madera and Visalia, joining over 3,000 large and small rallies held across the country. This nationwide day of action pivoted towards a focus on voter turnout two weeks ahead of the midterm elections rather than solely on protesting the administration, as it has in the past.
“I’m not protesting, I’m demonstrating,” said Larry Peer, a veteran holding a sign that read “your vote = voice” at the Clovis rally. “I’m trying to send a message that people should vote in this election; it’s probably one of the most consequential elections that we’ll ever be involved in.”
Congressman Jim Costa, spotted talking with his constituents at the Fresno rally, told The Bee he believes that statement holds validity. He decided to join the crowd because “this is an important part of America.” The biggest concerns he heard from protesters were holding the administration accountable, affordability and getting the country out of the Iran war.
Protesters gathered peacefully near the Fashion Fair Mall on Shaw Avenue between Blackstone Avenue and First Street in Fresno for the fourth wave of “No Kings” rallies on October 17. LILIANA FANNIN
The grassroots, nonprofit action group, Central Valley Indivisible, organized the Fresno rally. The demonstrations in both cities drew longtime activists, first-time protesters, students, seniors, families.
“It’s one of the small things we can do,” said Arlena Shirley, a protester in Fresno who joined the rally in response to ICE raids and the Epstein files, among other things. “It kind of makes you feel less alone, especially in an area that often feels red and Republican.”
Protesters gathered peacefully near the Fashion Fair Mall on Shaw Avenue between Blackstone Avenue and First Street in Fresno for the fourth wave of “No Kings” rallies. LILIANA FANNIN
Many drivers passing by honked and cheered in solidarity. Some flipped off protesters out of their windows. In Clovis, one of the most conservative areas in the state, the “No Kings” rally had drawn around 50 people before 10 a.m.
That included 19-year-old Joshua Guizar, who is looking forward to voting for the first time, in the November midterms, and is concerned about the housing and job markets.
“I don’t want my life going down the hole because of the older generation,” Guizar said.
Protesters gathered peacefully along the Clovis Old Town Trail near Shaw and Clovis Avenues in Clovis for the fourth wave of “No Kings” rallies on October 17. LILIANA FANNIN
The first nationwide wave of No Kings demonstrations took place in June 2025, coinciding with the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary. The second was held almost exactly one year ago, on October 18, 2025, and the third was held in March 2026. Each drew thousands of participants across the Central Valley.
Fresno has seen several other protests in recent weeks amid ICE’s increased enforcement. The nonprofit Casita Feliz Latine LGBTQ+ Center held a “Tower District Against ICE” demonstration in front of the Tower Theatre on Friday evening and plans to hold another on Saturday evening, after No Kings.
Protesters also gathered outside River Park last Saturday, one day after an off-duty ICE agent who police said appeared intoxicated was accused of assaulting a 72-year-old man outside of his home and arrested.
Protesters gathered peacefully near the Fashion Fair Mall on Shaw Avenue between Blackstone Avenue and First Street in Fresno for the fourth wave of “No Kings” rallies on October 17. LILIANA FANNIN 
Protesters gathered along the Clovis Old Town Trail near Shaw and Clovis Avenues in Clovis for the fourth wave of “No Kings” rallies on October 17. LILIANA FANNIN
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