Wave Wire Services
LOS ANGELES — Thousands of demonstrators gathered in downtown Oct. 17 for a “No Kings” rally and march protesting President Donald Trump’s administration, federal immigration enforcement policies and what organizers describe as threats to voting rights ahead of the November midterm elections.
The demonstration began at Gloria Molina Grand Park, near Los Angeles City Hall as part of a nationwide day of protests organized under the No Kings banner.
A march followed with participants following a roughly 1.5-mile route beginning on Spring Street before returning to City Hall.
The rally, organized by 50501 SoCal in partnership with more than 30 organizations, was one of thousands planned across the country.
Organizers said the Los Angeles event focused on opposition to federal immigration enforcement actions, concerns about potential election interference and efforts to encourage eligible voters to participate in the upcoming midterm elections.
Scheduled speakers included Assemblyman Isaac Bryan, D-Culver City, Jillian Burgos of Housing for All, Black Lives Matter activist Melina Abdullah, Ernesto Ayala, Shannon Rivers and Cliff Pinkerton of California Ranked Choice Voting, and Paul Ramirez, founder of Valley Defensa.
Musical performances by Izzy T and Shelton, along with a DJ set by Swage, were part of the program.
Demonstrators carried 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 also held a land blessing and drum circle by representatives of local indigenous communities.
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“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 demonstration was intended to build on protests that followed federal immigration raids in Los Angeles and the deployment of National Guard troops and Marines to the region in June 2025.
The rally also featured voter outreach aimed at helping eligible participants understand their voting options and make plans to cast ballots.
Among the organizations participating in the Los Angeles demonstration were 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-rights and community groups.
Other demonstrations were held in Pasadena, Alhambra, Culver City, Highland Park, Hollywood, Monterey Park, Silver Lake, West Hollywood and Whittier.
