TIMES SQUARE, Manhattan (PIX11) – Thousands of “No Kings” protests are being held across the U.S. on Saturday in defiance of the Trump administration and its policies.

Protesters descended onto Times Square in Manhattan around 11 a.m., according to organizers. The first wave of “No Kings” protests was held over the summer, during President Donald Trump’s military parade in Washington, D.C.

Saturday’s protest is focused on the fighting against the government shutdown, intensifying immigration raids and the deployment of National Guard troops into cities.

“Today we join millions of Americans speaking out to reclaim and defend our freedoms from the madness of a wannabe king. In America, power belongs to The People, and We The People will hold the powerful accountable,” the New York Civil Liberties Union said in a statement to PIX11 News.

Reps. Jerry Nadler and Dan Goldman, former Rep. Carolyn Maloney, state Sen. Brad Hoylman-Sigal, state Assemblymembers Alex Bores, Jordan Wright, and Micah Lasher, Councilmembers Julie Menin and Keith Powers; Democratic nominees for City Council Virginia Maloney, Ty Hankerson, and Assemblymember Harvey Epstein were all expected to attend the march.

“I encourage you to watch — we call it the Hate America rally — that will happen Saturday,” said House Speaker Mike Johnson when asked about the protests on Capitol Hill.

Organizers recommend that attendees use the subway stops on 47th and 50th streets to get to the march at Father Duffy Square. The NYPD wrote on X to expect protest activity from Father Duffy Square along 7th Avenue toward West 14th Street.

“A core principle behind all No Kings events is a commitment to nonviolent action. We expect all participants to seek to de-escalate any potential confrontation with those who disagree with our values and to act lawfully at these events. Weapons of any kind, including those legally permitted, should not be brought to events,” organizers wrote on the “No Kings” protest event page.

To find out where protests will be held in New York City and New Jersey, click here.

For protests on Long Island and in Westchester, check here.


More: Latest News from Around the Tri-State

Another “No Kings” march will kick off on Staten Island, outside of Rep. Nicole Malliotakis’ office, at 1 p.m. Protests are expected throughout all five boroughs on Saturday.

The Times Square “No Kings” protest is expected to last until 1 p.m. The NYPD posted a statement on X, saying:

“The No Kings protests are kicking off today. The NYPD will be out across the city to make sure everyone can peacefully and safely exercise their First Amendment right. As a reminder, there will be zero tolerance for any illegal activity or anyone who breaks the law.”

The New York City Police Department

This story comprises reporting from The Associated Press.

Erin Pflaumer is a digital content producer from Long Island who has covered both local and national news since 2018. She joined PIX11 in 2023. See more of her work here.