On June 14, President Donald Trump’s 79th birthday and the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary, hundreds of thousands of people across the nation participated in a “No Kings” demonstration.
Protesters marched and chanted across cities to oppose the Trump administration, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids and to defend human rights.
“I just feel really sad about everything that’s happening right now,” said Fabiola Cervantes, a protester in Fresno. “I can’t believe it’s happening here in the United States, you know, land of the free.”
In Fresno, two large protests erupted, both attracting thousands of people.
The San Joaquin Valley Resistance (SJVR) attracted approximately 4,000 protesters to Fashion Fair Mall and Cary Park for the No Kings demonstration, while about 1,000 others gathered on both sides of Blackstone Avenue, in front of River Park and the Villaggio Center, organized by Central Valley California Indivisible (CVI).
The protests came after a controversial week where the U.S. saw hundreds of immigration related protests following military deployment in Los Angeles, where there were anti-U.S. ICE protests.
“This is so much more than just immigration, at least for me,” said Christina Perez, a Fresno protester. “It’s a stepping stone of getting this man off his pedestal.”
Fashion Fair Mall and Cary Park
The SJVR arranged for local bands and groups to play live, rebellious music and for traditional Aztec dances. The demonstration also had the support of high-profile organizations like Planned Parenthood and the American Civil Liberties Union.
There was a lineup of notable local speakers from the Fresno Brown Berets, poets, former Fresno City Council candidate Matthew Gillian and U.S. Army veteran Michaela Green.
“I care about what is happening in my community and my country,” Green said in her speech. “We the people are making it clear that we do not want a king.”
The protest and its organizers had some strong demands that included representatives to support and sign articles of impeachment, the removal of Trump, the removal of military and ICE from California, safer communities for mistreated groups and the end of fascism in the U.S.
Erich Simrock, a veteran, joined the protest to express his frustration and disapproval of the Trump administration, drawing on his experience serving against countries ruled by dictatorships.
He believes the U.S. is heading in a dangerous direction, likening Trump’s leadership style to that of a dictator.
“I’ve fought dictators before God and country and I’m ready to do it again,” Simrock said. “I don’t want [Trump] running this country.”
Simrock’s concerns were echoed by many others at the rally who viewed the Trump administration as a threat to democracy and justice.
Many participants shared a sense of urgency about the direction of the country and the impact of recent political decisions, which Riojas credits to strong community support in Fresno that they say supports them as much as they support it.
“All of our struggles are connected,” Riojas said. “This is my community and this is a cause I would absolutely die for.”
At the height of the demonstration, Riojas addressed the crowd with a speech that echoed the broader themes of the rally and reinforced the collective frustrations of the protesters.
“Today is not a celebration,” Riojas said. “Donald Trump and [his] administration represent a system…they thrive on exploitation of workers, the destruction of our communities and they oppress the marginalized.”
River Park
At around 10 a.m. on Saturday, people began pouring onto Blackstone Avenue. By 11 a.m., the crowd was in full swing with the sidewalks filled with colorful signs, posters and flags.
With heavy hearts and mindsets due to the current political climate, protesters chanted and used their voices to the best of their ability.
“I just feel like every time I’m watching everything that’s happening in the world right now, I feel really helpless,” said Lissette Zavala, a protester.
The protest lasted several hours, and although police were present for safety, the demonstration remained peaceful the entire time.
“We’re not hurting anyone,” said Sara Bautista, a protest member. “We’re just speaking our First Amendment right to be out here.”
CVI announced the protest over a month in advance and it gained traction over social media. Several participants attended the protest on behalf of their immigrant family members, who they believe contribute a lot to society.
Atticus Yu, an 18-year-old protester, expressed anger toward ICE for the recent surge in deportations.
“It enrages me because my grandfather’s one of those people [an immigrant], and if that happened to him, I wouldn’t be here today, I wouldn’t exist,” Yu said. “So I’m really grateful for all that immigrants do and all that my grandfather has done.”
Perez spoke to The Collegian about how, when protesting, it’s important to equally represent and fight for all humans regardless of their own ethnicity or race.
“I’m Hispanic, I want to support my people and not only my people, all nationalities, it’s not only about a Hispanic thing, we’re talking about Asian people, African people, all nationalities,” Perez said.
The protests brought out individuals who typically stay home due to anxiety or fear. Zavala said she’s usually a passive person, but this was something she couldn’t ignore.
“I know showing support here just kind of goes a long way rather than just sitting at home, not showing any type of voice or support,” Zavala said.
Throughout the duration of the event, the overall consensus of the protest remained stagnant.
“The Trump regime has to be stopped,” Yu said.
