ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Demonstrations across the state and the nation are rallying in protest against the Trump administration, aligning behind multiple organizations, but with one overall message — there should be “No Kings” in the United States.

What You Need To Know

In opposition to the course the nation is taking under President Donald Trump, individuals assembled on Saturday across the state and the country for the “No Kings” demonstrations

This marks the second large-scale mobilization following Trump’s return to the White House, occurring amidst a government shutdown

Organizers behind the “No Kings” movement stands in opposition to President Donald Trump’s  immigration policies, the Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids occurring nationwide, reductions in healthcare and education funding, efforts to reverse the outcomes of the 2020 presidential election, among other issues

Americans gathered in demonstrations in cities both large and small throughout the state. Expressing their rights and protecting the vulnerable from actions implemented by President Donald Trump’s administration. 

“Send a clear message to them that we aren’t going to put up with ICE, we’re not going to put up with wars, we need better health care, we need better education,” Party for Socialism and Liberation member CJ Militello said. “We’re not going to be defunding the things that we fought so hard to gain.”

This marks the second significant wave of demonstrations coordinated by “No Kings” — a coalition of progressive groups opposing Trump’s policies. The organizers anticipate a turnout in the millions nationwide.

“In every location, there’s been huge turnouts,” an anonymous organizer from the “No Kings” rally said. “Lots of people are feeling empowered and ready to speak their mind and let everyone know how they’re feeling.”

Different residents and organizers showed up and speaking out for different motives.

“I grew up in the 60s,” protestor Nancy Leport said. “I’ve fought some of these battles already, and I see that we’re losing those rights. And I worry about what my grandchildren, they’re going to grow up with. I love this country. I love what it stood for. And I’m horrified by what’s happening to it right now.”

“I just don’t like all the stuff that he’s doing for the world right now,” protestor Josh Cerasuolo said. “And so we got to take every step to step in by just removing this mam from office, because he has no home in America right here.”

Residents gathered to show their support through costumes, signs and chants, while others attended just to see the turnout.

“I am here just to experience this,” Green Party of Monroe County member Jason Yungbluth said. “There is no real political valence to anything you see here. They come, they have their signs, a million different messages, no real unity. And I don’t think that this is the kind of movement that will effectively stand up to Donald Trump. If you were ever to say, send the National Guard to Rochester, I think they would burn right off.”

With more than 300 grassroots groups helping organize Saturday’s marches across the nation, organizers say the rally demonstrates their commitment to peace and the importance of showing up for what you believe in.

“The fact that we have to continue being out here and coming to these rallies shows us that we need to get more organized,” Militello said. “Get to know your neighbor. Get to know your friends. Don’t be afraid to talk about these things, even though it can be difficult. And let’s get organized.”