People frustrated with President Donald Trump and his administration’s immigration crackdowns, ICE and National Guard deployments, on-again-off-again tariffs, and his perceived control over all three branches of the U.S. government will be gathering again to protest in cities across the country.
About 2,500 “No Kings” protests are expected to happen Saturday, Oct. 18, according to the “No Kings” website, including more than 80 in Florida.
In the last “No Kings” protest, held on June 14 to coincide with Trump’s birthday and a military parade for the Army’s 250th birthday, more than 2,100 protests were held, organizers said, with more than 5 million people participating.
But things might be different this time.
The Trump administration has been taking a harder line against protests in recent weeks, attempting to deploy the National Guard to Democrat-controlled cities to protect U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials and fight against what the president has called, without evidence, record levels of crime and violent political unrest. Trump also designated antifa, a loosely organized ideological movement without a leadership structure, as a terrorist organization, an act critics said was a pretext to crack down on anyone who speaks out against him.
After multiple lower courts blocked efforts to deploy the National Guard, citing a lack of need, Trump said he would consider invoking the Insurrection Act to send the military into cities.
All of which means protesters in some cities could face more opposition on Saturday and backlash afterward.
What are Florida laws on protests?
Protesting is protected in the United States by the First Amendment provided streets and government buildings are not blocked, but Florida also restrict protests within 500 feet of a residence, cemetery, funeral home, house of worship, or other location when a funeral or burial has just occurred, will occur soon, or is occurring.
Florida also comes down hard on anything perceived as rioting, with penalties against anyone involved in the protest where it occurred..
And, as of this year, Florida has the HALO Law which requires everyone to move 25 feet away from a first responder, including law enforcement, if asked to. The law is intended to protect first responders but critics worry that it will prevent anyone from shooting video or pictures of ICE arrests or police brutality.
The “No Kings” website tells participants not to bring any weapons, to always act in accordance with local laws, and de-escalate any potential confrontation with law enforcement or anti-protesters.
Where can I find a ‘No Kings’ protest near me in Florida?
According to the No King website, Florida events are currently planned in:
(This story was updated to add new information.)
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: More than 80 ‘No Kings’ protests planned in Florida. Here’s where, what to know
Reporting by C. A. Bridges, USA TODAY NETWORK – Florida / Sarasota Herald-Tribune
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
