Fort Lauderdale, FL — A wave of “No Kings” protests is set to sweep across South Florida this weekend, as demonstrators take to the streets in opposition to what they describe as the “authoritarian excesses and corruption” of former President Donald Trump and his political allies.
The rallies are part of a nationwide movement organized by Hope and Action, a grassroots political group affiliated with the Indivisible network. Events will be held on Saturday, June 14, to coincide with Trump’s 250th Army birthday parade in Washington, D.C., which critics have likened to a show of militaristic nationalism.
“We’ve watched as they’ve cracked down on free speech, detained people for their political views, threatened to deport American citizens, and defied the courts,” Hope and Action said in a statement. “They’ve done this all while continuing to serve and enrich their billionaire allies.”
Protest Merges Into Major Fort Lauderdale Event
Originally scheduled as two separate protests in Hollywood and Fort Lauderdale, organizers have merged the events into one central demonstration set to take place at State Road A1A and Sunrise Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale.
“We have almost 1,000 people registered and they’re rolling in quickly,” said Jennifer Jones, a local organizer with Hope and Action.
Jones emphasized that the group is committed to a nonviolent demonstration and has trained a team of volunteer safety marshals to assist with crowd management and de-escalation tactics. Fort Lauderdale Police have also confirmed they will be present to monitor the event and ensure public safety.
Protest Fueled by Immigration Crackdown in L.A.
Organizers say public anger over recent immigration enforcement actions in Los Angeles, where tensions have boiled over between federal agents and protestors, is contributing to growing participation in Saturday’s protests.
“Our whole economy in Florida is built on immigration,” said Linda Gonzalez, a repeat participant in the “No Kings” movement. “We rebelled 150 years ago, and we need to get back to democracy.”
Gonzalez and others argue that the current political climate under Trump’s influence is moving the country away from constitutional principles and toward autocratic rule.
Nationwide Movement Sends ‘Clear Message’
Hope and Action says the nationwide demonstrations aim to “send a message that Americans don’t put up with would-be kings.”
“The flag doesn’t belong to Donald Trump. It belongs to us,” the group said. “We’re not watching history happen. We’re making it.”
Besides the flagship event in Fort Lauderdale, parallel “No Kings” protests are scheduled in Miami and Miami Beach, as well as dozens of cities across the country. The movement is expected to draw thousands in total.
Law enforcement agencies are advising all attendees to remain peaceful and report any suspicious activity. Organizers, in turn, are urging participants to wear comfortable clothing, stay hydrated, and follow safety guidelines to ensure a secure environment for all.