(NewsNation) — Thousands of mostly peaceful “No Kings” protests against the Trump administration unfolded across the U.S. Saturday, but the situation turned ugly in Los Angeles, where unruly demonstrations have raged for more than a week over immigration enforcement.
Police used tear gas and flash bangs and imposed an 8 p.m. curfew for downtown Los Angeles after some protesters threw rocks, bricks, bottles and other objects. The curfew was to remain in effect until 6 a.m. Sunday local time.
Portland Police declare riot
Another trouble spot was Portland, Oregon. Police declared a riot outside the Portland U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement building facility after hundreds of protesters gathered and tear gas was deployed by federal agents.
Hundreds of protesters gathered outside the ICE facility after the local “No Kings” march brought tens of thousands of demonstrators to the downtown.
Elsewhere, demonstrations peaceful
Most demonstrations across the country did not devolve into chaos. In a statement obtained by NewsNation, the American Civil Liberties Union said more than 5 million people attended more than 2,100 protests.
An estimated 25,000 protesters took to the streets of New York City, where at least eight people were taken into custody after receiving verbal warnings, authorities said. Sponsors of Saturday’s protest in Chicago, the nation’s third-largest city, said safety marshals wearing yellow vests were trained to de-escalate potential confrontations.
Who is behind ‘No Kings’?
The grass-roots “No Kings” movement is a rejection of what critics consider to be Trump’s unilateral method of governing.
“No Kings is a nationwide day of defiance. From city blocks to small towns, from courthouse steps to community parks, we’re taking action to reject authoritarianism — and show the world what democracy really looks like,” the event’s website says.
Saturday’s “No Kings” day of defiance is credited to the 50501 Movement, a grassroots organization. The name “stands for 50 states, 50 protests, one movement,” according to the group’s website.
“Since January, the Trump Administration has continued to attack our civil liberties, take illegal and unconstitutional actions, and gut the public services we pay for with our taxes,” organizers say.
Where were the planned protests?
“No Kings” organizers say they are committed to “nonviolent protest and community safety,” with organizers trained to de-escalate conflicts.
Still, some police departments were being cautious.
“When you have 5,000 people on the street, all you need is 20 to be an outside agitator. You don’t need 4,999. You have a small number of people that are professionals,” Mayor Eric Adams said Friday.