LOS ANGELES (KABC) — More than 50,000 people are expected to gather in downtown Los Angeles on Saturday for a major march and rally as part of a nationwide “No Kings” protest of immigration enforcement and other federal policies.
The event, scheduled at Gloria Molina Grand Park across from City Hall, is one of thousands planned in communities across the country — including throughout Southern California. A rally is set to begin at 2 p.m., followed by a march at 3 p.m., according to organizers.
In anticipation of the crowds, Caltrans crews Friday placed security gates along on- and off-ramps to the 101 Freeway in the downtown area. During previous “No Kings” protests in downtown L.A., some participants moved onto freeway lanes, temporarily blocking traffic.
The preparations come ahead of what organizers expect to be one of the largest demonstrations in the region.
“As unconstitutional deportations and inhumane treatment of immigrants and asylum seekers continue across the United States, and as illegal and unauthorized wars are perpetrated around the globe, Los Angeles unites in solidarity with a peaceful march and rally …,” organizers said in a statement.
Scheduled speakers include actress Jodie Sweetin and Becky Pringle, president of the National Education Association.
“A lot of people want to help, they just don’t know where to start,” Emily Williams, a lead organizer for 50501 SoCal, said in a statement. “No Kings is that starting point. It’s about community, about showing up for each other, and about turning concern into real action you can be part of.”
Organizers said participants are expected to carry large helium-filled balloons depicting President Donald Trump, along with handmade signs, during a roughly 1.5-mile march beginning on Spring Street.
The organizers will call for the impeachment and removal of the Trump administration and the abolition of Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
“The president thinks his rule is absolute,” according to the No Kings website. “But in America, we don’t have kings — and we won’t back down against chaos, corruption, and cruelty. Our peaceful movement is only getting bigger. No Kings’ is more than just a slogan; it is the foundation our nation was built upon.”
A separate rally and march is also planned in Encino, where more than 1,000 people are expected to gather at 11 a.m. at Ventura Boulevard and Hayvenhurst Avenue, according to organizers.
The event will include remarks from Los Angeles City Councilwoman Nithya Raman, former Biden administration adviser Jake Levine and other speakers before participants march along Ventura Boulevard.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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