Thousands turn out for anti-Trump "No Kings" protests in North Texas
Thousands of people across North Texas braved the hot and humid weather Saturday for more than a dozen anti-Trump "No Kings" protests.
Around 1:15 p.m. Saturday, thousands of protesters gathered at City Hall Plaza in Dallas and began marching through the streets of downtown. In the hours leading up to the march, speakers took turns denouncing President Trump's agenda to a crowd of cheering supporters.
In Downtown Fort Worth, demonstrators gathered at Burk Burnett Park, which is near the federal courthouse.
Denton protesters rally around courthouse in show of unity
In Denton, "No Kings" protesters marched around the historic county courthouse on Denton Square, holding signs, dancing at times, and drawing supportive honks from passing cars. The crowd included people of all ages and backgrounds, united in their opposition to the policies of the Trump administration.
About 500 demonstrators marched around Denton Square with clear reasons on why they joined the city's No Kings protest.
"It's frightening, and people should be very concerned. The United States doesn't act this way," Kesa Clingman said.
"This is absolutely ridiculous what they're doing. The way they're treating people is abominable," Ed Clingman said.
Texas Democratic Party Chair Kendall Scudder detailed his support for the rally.
"The working men and women in this country are rising up against an oligarchy that has decided they're going to monetize our government and oppress all of us who disagree with them," Scudder said.
Protesters cite wide-ranging concerns
Most of the demonstrators CBS News Texas spoke to said they have numerous concerns about the current administration, ranging from cuts to social programs to the deportation of undocumented immigrants.
"At my university alone, we've seen international students get their student visas revoked and then told you need to leave the country as soon as possible, self-deport, or we'll deport you first," said AJ Perez, 20, president of the University of North Texas Democrats.
Denton District 2 Councilman Brian Beck said he hears lots of concerns from his constituents.
"The specific issues are of people canceling programs that help working class individuals, that help science, that help education, that are over empowering law enforcement to do things that are patently against the Constitution," Beck said.
Those who battled the blazing Texas heat hope their presence will make a difference.
"We're going to meet like-minded people so we can all work together and build a coalition needed to make sure that democracy stays strong in Texas and in America," Perez said.
Peaceful protest in downtown Dallas
An estimated 10,000 people gathered outside Dallas City Hall on Saturday for the "No Kings" protest, voicing opposition to former President Donald Trump and raising broader concerns about immigration and national leadership.
CBS News Texas photojournalist Alexis Ramirez captured sweeping drone footage of the massive turnout, with approximately 5,000 people filling the plaza lawn and thousands more surrounding the area.
"I'm so happy, it's honestly such a blessing to see everybody come together," said Fatima Alwaked.
"I am a Mexican American, daughter of immigrants, so I feel fortunate that we get the privilege to do something like this," said Karina Barboza.
Christian Rocha, another attendee, emphasized the peaceful nature of the demonstration.
"That we are here doing things right. Showing love. Showing peace - and fight back and represent our people," Rocha said. "We are here for one cause - to show love."
Protesters speak out
Demonstrators voiced frustration with the current political climate, particularly around immigration enforcement and the treatment of immigrant communities.
"Just the way things are going, it's very scary, and a majority of Americans don't support it," said protester Max Riddeton.
"We want to integrate our lives, our culture with everybody, and they are too busy trying to separate us," said Ana Dominguez.
"It just makes me feel mad and they are people like us," said Asher Vargas.
"For them to try and attack a minority group just because they want to deem them as criminals, or rapists, or drug dealers... when it's been shown that all we want to do is just be granted the opportunity to get a career, have a life that's worth our parents' sacrifices," Barboza said.
"We are seeing our neighbors that are being picked up by ICE... These are people we literally invite into our home, and now we're being told that they are somehow dangerous when we know that's not the case," said Kat Vargas.
March through downtown
After speeches concluded in front of City Hall, the crowd began an impromptu march through downtown Dallas.
Latino activist Carlos Quintanilla praised the energy and discipline of the demonstrators.
"We march peacefully in Dallas but energetically with a very loud voice," Quintanilla said. "We are not afraid to protest and we respect the laws."
Protester Chancy Garrison King added: "These are all Americans. We are true Americans. We are talking about humanity, everybody joining together. There is no racism out here —this is real America."
Peaceful protests after days of pleas
No incidents have been reported so far at any of the protest locations. For days leading up to Saturday, organizers and public officials called for all of the demonstrations to be peaceful.
Earlier in the week, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott announced he was mobilizing 5,000 troops from Texas National Guard and 2,000 officers from the Texas Department of Public Safety. Abbott said he wanted to make sure Texas did not experience the same violence that has played out during anti-ICE protests in California.
Abbott did not specify how many of them would be in North Texas, but none were visible during Saturday morning's events.
North Texas "No Kings" protests
In addition to the protests in Dallas, Fort Worth, Arlington and Denton, at least 11 more events were planned:
- Burleson
- Carrollton
- Collin County
- Flower Mound
- Frisco
- Greenville
- Kaufman
- McKinney
- Sanger
- Sherman
- Weatherford
