Thousands join “No Kings” rallies across Southern California; DTLA protests focus on immigration and voting rights

LOS ANGELES (CNS) — Thousands of demonstrators gathered in downtown Los Angeles on Saturday for a “No Kings” rally and march to protest President Donald Trump’s administration, federal immigration enforcement policies and what organizers describe as threats to voting rights in the run-up to the November midterm elections.

The protest began around 1 p.m. Saturday at Gloria Molina Grand Park near Los Angeles City Hall at 200 N. Spring St., as part of a nationwide day of protests organized under the banner No Kings.

A march began about an hour later, with participants following a route of about 1.5 miles starting on Spring Street before returning to City Hall. The event is expected to end around 5 p.m.

The rally, organized by 50501 SoCal in partnership with more than 30 organizations, is one of thousands of protests planned for Saturday across the country.

Organizers said the Los Angeles event would focus on opposition to federal immigration enforcement actions, concerns about possible election interference and efforts to encourage eligible voters to participate in the upcoming midterm elections.

Scheduled speakers include Rep. Isaac Bryan, D-Los Angeles; Jillian Burgos of Housing for All; Ernesto Ayala; Shannon Rivers; Cliff Pinkerton of California Ranked choice voting; and Paul Ramirez, founder of Valley Defensa.

A press release also lists Melina Abdullah among the scheduled speakers and says representatives from Black Lives Matter Grassroots LA are expected to address the crowd.

Musical performances from Izzy T and Shelton, as well as a DJ set from Swage, are also planned.

Protesters are expected to carry handmade signs and two large balloons depicting Trump, including a 20-foot-tall balloon showing him wearing a diaper and a 15-foot-tall balloon depicting him in a Russian military uniform.

Organizers are also planning a land blessing and a drumming circle led by representatives of local indigenous communities.

“The same administration that invaded our city is now threatening to interfere with our right to vote,” Aztlan Tenochtitlan, a spokesperson for 50501 SoCal, said in a statement.

Organizers said the protest aims to build on protests that followed federal immigration raids in Los Angeles and the deployment of National Guard and Marine troops to the region in June 2025.

The rally will also include voter outreach aimed at helping eligible participants understand their voting options and plan their vote.

Organizations participating in the Los Angeles protest include the American Civil Liberties Union of Southern California, Oxfam America, Black Lives Matter Grassroots LA, Public Citizen, Democratic Socialists of America-Los Angeles, Working Families Party and several local immigrant and community rights groups.

A separate No Kings protest is planned from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Colorado Boulevard and Fair Oaks Avenue in Pasadena.

Organized by San Gabriel Foothills Indivisible, the Pasadena rally will also focus on early voting and opposition to what organizers say are authoritarian actions by the Trump administration.

Rep. Judy Chu, Pasadena Assemblywoman Sen. Sasha Renee Perez, Pasadena Assemblywoman and Pasadena City Councilman Rick Cole were invited to speak at the rally, according to organizers.

The Pasadena event is also expected to feature homemade signs, costumed performers and short voting-related skits.

Organizers of both protests said they were committed to non-violent demonstrations.

More information on the downtown Los Angeles event is available at mobiliser.us/mobilize/event/900835, while information on the Pasadena rally is available at sangabrielfoothillsindivisible.org.

Voters are encouraged to register before the October 19 deadline in California.

A complete list of events nationwide, with more details, can be found at nokings.org.