TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — ‘No Kings’ protests took place across the nation, including the Tampa Bay area, Saturday.

Protesters chanted and waved signs in defiance of President Donald Trump’s policies and directives.

REGIONAL COVERAGE: PHOTOS: ‘No Kings’ protests held across Tampa Bay

“This is the first president that we’ve ever had send troops into cities,” said Leslie Garcia, Vietnam War veteran and resident of Tampa. “It’s three equal branches of government, not just the executive branch being the sole…As in a dictatorship is what he’s trying to do.”

President Trump has pushed back on claims that he is a king in previous reports this week.

Along with Garcia, protesters such as Allie Enriquez voiced their opinions on immigration.

“We’re supposed to be the land of freedom, the land of opportunity, so, if people are trying to flee oppression, flee violence from their home countries, why wouldn’t they come here?”

Among the multitude of protesters, 8 On Your Side also found counter protesters, though few, who still made their voices heard as well.

“If we just let everybody come over, you know, what happens is, you know, cartels will come over and drug traffickers, traffickers,” said Stephanie Ross of Tampa.

Ross also voiced her support of Trump’s executive order on banning gender-affirming care for those under the age of 19.

“They’re not at adult age yet. So we need to allow them to enjoy being kids and stop trying to indoctrinate them with all the LGBTIQ stuff.”

Enriquez disagreed.

“I think if you really love your kids, you should do your best to comfort them and let them feel, like, feel how they are.”

Protestors told 8 On Your Side they hope their fellow demonstrators remember this momentum on their way to the polls come midterm elections.

“They can come out and protest like this. But when it comes to the ballot box, they vote against their own,” Garcia said. “Minimum wage, healthcare and an education–that’s what we’re protesting for.”

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