The Saturday demonstration was one of hundreds that unfolded nationwide Saturday amid immigration crackdowns across the U.S.
SAN ANTONIO — More than 1,000 protesters packed Travis Park in downtown San Antonio to speak out against the Trump administration’s policies, one of hundreds of similar events that unfolded nationwide Saturday as part of the “No Kings” movement.
“No Kings” organizers have referred to the network of protests as “a nationwide day of defiance” intentionally scheduled to take place on Flag Day, as a “direct response to Donald Trump’s self-aggrandizing $100 million military parade and birthday celebration.”
The protest arrived on the heels of previous similar rallies last Sunday and Wednesday, and after Gov. Greg Abbott deployed National Guard troops to San Antonio and other Texas cities in advance of the protests. It also came amid a recent immigration crackdown that has seen ICE agents taking people into custody outside downtown San Antonio courthouses, including women and children, according to relatives of some detainees.
“ICE is a legal entity of the United States, but they don’t have to be thugs,” said Connie Fitzgerald, one of the hundreds of rally attendees. “There’s a due process that we’re expecting. That’s the least we can expect in our country.”
Immigration raids were a focal points of the protest and its messaging. But sentiments and signs were also touted in support of the science and LGBTQ communities, which have been threatened in the first months of President Trump’s return to office.
The Saturday event, which went from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and included a march through downtown, remained peaceful, with no apparent signs of needed intervention from law enforcement. The National Guard were on standby, per Abbott’s orders, while SAPD and Texas DPS troopers were seen along the march route to ensure safety.
PHOTOS: Hundreds of San Antonians gather for anti-Trump ‘No Kings’ protest
Though the message of the “No Kings” protest was one of resistance, the air was often celebratory and festive at Travis Park. At different points electric guitars and drums could be heard, as well as the cheers of attendees responding to event speakers.
They included Robert Vargas III, president of Texas Stonewall Democrats, who equated the current struggle to that of the 1969 Stonewall rebellion.
“It was people putting their hands to the plow and saying, ‘We will not allow a fascist government to oppress us anymore,'” Vargas said. “We’re not gonna be intimidated by a governor who thinks he can use law enforcement against us.”
The national series of “No Kings” rallies was organized by 50501, referring to 50 protests, 50 states, one movement.
Alex Svehla, the local leader organizer for 50501, said it was their intention to organize a non-violent event.
“We’ve always been a very positive community,” Svehla said. “This just takes it to a whole other level.”