'Thousands of demonstrators peacefully gathered at San Diego Civic Center and Waterfront Park as part of " No Kings Protests that took place throughout the region and the nation on Saturday.
According to San Diego police An estimated 60,000 protesters showed up downtown for the morning events, marching along Harbor Drive and Pacific Highway. Organizers placed the figure higher, at 80,000.
There were more than 2,000 "No Kings" events nationwide on Saturday — and at least 12 in San Diego County — to coincide with a military parade in Washington D.C. for the Army’s 250th birthday.
- "Stand up, fight back" – Nearly 1,000 protesters in Mira Mesa join 'No Kings' Day
According to ABC News reported that President Donald Trump said on Thursday that he hoped Americans watching the parade — which will cost up to $45 million — according to the Wall Street Journal — would recognize the military’s strength and greatness.
The demonstrators objected not only to the parade, but also to raids targeting migrant communities, Israel’s war in Gaza, and federal attacks on funding for public broadcasting and scientific research.
Speaking to the crowd at Waterfront Park, Allison Gill, a political podcaster and Navy veteran, said that America’s guardrails are crumbling.
"It is up to us now to protect our communities, to protect ourselves, to protect our vote and to protect our voice," Gill said.
Those at the Civic Center marched to Waterfront Park, and park demonstrators circled a 1.25-mile loop south of the park.
The downtown protest joined several political advocacy groups, such as Indivisible and SanDiego350, as well as local union partners like the San Diego and Imperial Counties Labor Council.
The San Diego police made no arrests at the protest and expressed appreciation for the cooperation between organizers, participants, and officers in a press release.
It was encouraging to see so many people gather peacefully today," said police Chief Scott Wahl. "We’re grateful to everyone who helped make these events safe for our city.
Protester Kevin Burns, 74, who said he served in the military for 25 years as an intelligence analyst and as a Border Patrol agent in the 1970s, came to Waterfront Park in support of the Constitution and the American flag.
He said the protesters were exercising their First Amendment rights.
“ When we all swore allegiance to defend the Constitution, and when our president doesn’t do that, it reflects on all of us," Burns said. "What we’re doing is defending our freedom.
Burns said he does not want Border Patrol agents used as political pawns.
“ Following orders is the same excuse they used in Germany, ” Burns said, "If the president came up to me while I'm in uniform with a gun and told me to shoot you, I can tell him to go take a walk. That's an immoral order."
Brianna, 25, who declined to give her last name, said she attended the Hands Off! march at Waterfront Park in April.
As a Los Angeles native, she said Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids in L.A. last weekend motivated her to attend the “No Kings” rally.
Coming out here makes me feel better," Brianna said. "Sometimes you feel like you're alone, and social media makes you think that no one cares. But then you show up and see all these people who do care.
Protesters of all ages attended the downtown rallies before peacefully dispersing around noon.
There were fears, however, elsewhere. Minnesota’s “No Kings” demonstrations were canceled following what Gov. Tim Walz called An act of "targeted political violence" occurred on Saturday, as one Minnesota state legislator was killed and another was wounded.
Authorities said the suspect, Vance Boelter, had "No Kings" flyers in his car, prompting concerns that protests in the state might be targeted.
The atmosphere at Waterfront Park was joyful throughout the event, as drummers performed for dancing protesters and kids played in fountains.
Many demonstrators waved and wore American flags — some upside down, typically a distress signal. Their signs criticized Trump and ICE, and celebrated immigrants. “Hate will not make us great,” one said. “I like ICE in my coffee, not in my city,” according to another. “So much wrong. So little sign!” one bemoaned.
Some protesters wore keffiyehs and masks, while a pair dressed as clowns. A papier-mache puppet head of President Trump with a pig’s snout floated above the crowd.
Protester Susan Kelly, 75, said being rich should not be a get-out-of-jail free card.
We don’t have noblesse oblige "She said," referring to the French phrase that denotes the wealthy showing generosity to those who are less privileged.
Breaking down the word "kingdom" — with the suffix "-dom" meaning a legal jurisdiction or realm — motivated her to protest against Trump.
"We’re not having a rule of law. He’s abolishing the rule of law," she said.
Updated 9 p.m. June 14, 2025
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