Hundreds of people lined Mooney Boulevard in Visalia on Saturday, June 14, to reject “authoritarian politics” in the nation.
Known as the “No Kings Nationwide Day of Defiance,” demonstrations were held across the country to divert attention from a military parade in Washington, D.C. on Saturday, which organizers say President Donald Trump is using to celebrate himself. The parade, which observes the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army, coincides with the president’s 79th birthday.
“With Visalia” President Cory Bly organized the demonstration at the intersection of Mooney and Mineral King Avenue. Bly has been organizing protests since Trump’s inauguration in January.
“This is probably the largest protest we’ve held,” said Bly, who added that more than 400 people registered for the event. She expected more than 700 people to show up for the demonstration.
The Trump administration’s crackdown on undocumented immigrants was the primary issue that drew Cadince and Megan Fancher to the protest.
“We are all descendents of immigrants,” Megan said. “Why wouldn’t we show our support. Donald Trump is not a king, he’s the president.”
Cadince said she protested for her friends and family who couldn’t attend due to safety concerns.
“All of our friends and family are impacted,” she said. “It’s awesome to pull up and see everyone out here.”
Another protest was held several blocks down at Caldwell Avenue and Mooney. Together, the events were one of the largest protests held in the city to date.
Despite the crowd, demonstrators kept out of roadways and obeyed traffic signals, being careful not to block traffic. Visalia police could be seen patrolling the area and taking photos with demonstrators.
Organizers said a “core principle” behind No Kings events is “a commitment to nonviolent action.”
“We expect all participants to seek to de-escalate any potential confrontation with those who disagree with our values and to act lawfully at these events,” according to a news release.
This article originally appeared on Visalia Times-Delta: ‘We’re all descendants of immigrants’: Visalia No Kings protest sees big anti-Trump rally
Reporting by Sheyanne N Romero, Visalia Times-Delta / Visalia Times-Delta
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
