The "No Kings" protest is part of a massive coordinated effort involving more than 1,500 cities across all 50 states. Over 100 pro-democracy advocacy groups are collaborating to stage what is expected to be the single largest day of anti-Trump protest since his re-election in 2024. Organizers have timed the day of action to directly counter Trump's planned military parade in Washington, D.C., which he scheduled to celebrate his birthday and the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary.
San Diego’s protest is being organized by the same group behind the April 5 "Hands Off" rally, which drew approximately 12,000 people to the streets of downtown, and is part of the broader “No Kings” initiative. In promotional materials, organizers describe the movement as a national day of defiance and a rejection of what they see as growing authoritarian behavior, including crackdowns on dissent, threats to deport U.S. citizens, disregard for judicial orders, and the enrichment of political allies through government action. Protestors are encouraged to show up in defense of democracy and civic unity, and organizers have emphasized a strict commitment to nonviolence and de-escalation.
The protest comes at a moment of heightened tension across Southern California. In Los Angeles, mass demonstrations erupted last week following aggressive immigration enforcement operations and the surprise deployment of federal troops by President Trump. Over 2,000 National Guard troops have been activated in the city, and approximately 700 U.S. Marines were mobilized from the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center in Twentynine Palms—just a few hours from San Diego.
California Governor Gavin Newsom and Attorney General Rob Bonta have filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, calling the federalization of the state’s National Guard “unauthorized, counterproductive, and unlawful.” Newsom likened Trump’s actions to a constitutional crisis and accused him of inciting fear and overreach. The state’s legal filing claims the president’s order violated the Tenth Amendment and bypassed state authority. Bonta has expressed confidence that California will prevail in court and is seeking a restraining order to block the deployment.
Meanwhile, the streets of Los Angeles have seen both peaceful and violent protests, including the burning of self-driving cars, the use of flash-bang grenades and tear gas by police, and the arrest of prominent labor leader David Huerta, president of SEIU California. Demonstrators have also gathered outside the Los Angeles Federal Building and across downtown, chanting for the release of detained activists and voicing opposition to Trump’s immigration crackdowns. Multiple union organizations and elected officials have rallied in response, accusing the administration of violating civil liberties and using federal power to intimidate dissent.
California Governor Gavin Newsom and Attorney General Rob Bonta have filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, calling the federalization of the state’s National Guard “unauthorized, counterproductive, and unlawful.” Newsom likened Trump’s actions to a constitutional crisis and accused him of inciting fear and overreach. The state’s legal filing claims the president’s order violated the Tenth Amendment and bypassed state authority. Bonta has expressed confidence that California will prevail in court and is seeking a restraining order to block the deployment.
Meanwhile, the streets of Los Angeles have seen both peaceful and violent protests, including the burning of self-driving cars, the use of flash-bang grenades and tear gas by police, and the arrest of prominent labor leader David Huerta, president of SEIU California. Demonstrators have also gathered outside the Los Angeles Federal Building and across downtown, chanting for the release of detained activists and voicing opposition to Trump’s immigration crackdowns. Multiple union organizations and elected officials have rallied in response, accusing the administration of violating civil liberties and using federal power to intimidate dissent.
In San Diego, tensions recently flared following a dramatic immigration raid on May 30 at Buona Forchetta restaurants in South Park. Agents with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), a division of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), stormed two locations of the restaurant group around dinnertime, deploying flash bang grenades and detaining staff in an operation described by witnesses as traumatizing. Videos captured heavily armed agents in camouflage surrounding the building while diners shouted in protest and neighborhood supporters gathered outside in anger. This incident already resulted in several protests in San Diego.
Against the backdrop of rising altercations between civilians and federal forces, San Diego’s “No Kings” rally is expected to serve not only as a protest against Trump’s military spectacle, but also as a broader symbol of regional solidarity and defiance. Organizers are urging participants to gather at 1600 Pacific Highway in front of the County Administration Building and to monitor updates at takeactionsandiego.org/hub for logistical details.
As the nation heads into what promises to be a politically volatile summer, Saturday's rally in San Diego will offer a striking illustration of how deeply divided the country remains - and how committed some Americans are to resisting what they see as the erosion of democratic norms under Trump’s presidency.
Originally published on June 9, 2025.
