'No Kings' rally draws thousands to Downtown Albuquerque

Thousands of protesters filled the streets of Downtown Albuquerque on Saturday afternoon to denounce the actions of President Donald Trump, who protesters said acts as a king in a democratic country, and his administration.

Known as “No Kings Day,” the nationwide rallies came after similar gatherings held in June, one of which in Albuquerque drew thousands of people to a West Side park.

Across the country, more than 2,000 rallies were held Saturday, according to the No Kings website. In New Mexico, nearly 30 rallies were held, including in Las Cruces, Santa Fe and Carlsbad.

The rally in Downtown Albuquerque saw protesters dressed in costumes as they clutched signs that read “No crown for the orange clown,” “Burque over billionaires” and “We the people are not okay,” among others.

No large skirmishes or issues were reported during the two-hour event, which had demonstrators marching on Central Avenue between Second and Eighth streets.

The Republican Party of New Mexico said the movement merely caused confusion and division at a time when the state is facing a crisis in health care, veterans rights and a lack of school choice.

“Whatever the message behind these protests may be, it stands in stark contrast to what President Donald J. Trump has been doing for this country, putting America and Americans first,” the N.M. GOP wrote in a statement. “For the first time in modern history, we have a president who prioritizes the people over the political elite, families over government control, and the future of our children over the agendas of Washington insiders.”

From discontent about the ongoing government shutdown to concerns over immigrant and LGBTQ+ rights, protesters of all ages had different reasons for joining the rally, but they all voiced their frustration with the Trump administration.

Air Force veteran Cassie Drake was one of many protesters expressing disdain for Trump’s recent actions, including a recent address he delivered to top military leaders. Drake said she was concerned that the president was weaponizing the military to do his bidding and hold power over the people.

“Our military is here to protect our people, not fight against them,” she said. “I’m worried about getting all of my care through the VA (Veterans Affairs), especially being lesbian. I don’t know how much longer I’m going to be able to receive my disability for being just who I am.”

Temperatures reached the high 70s as a cool breeze helped to wave American, Mexican and Palestinian flags above the heads of marchers. The sound of banging drums, chants and horns reverberated in the streets as passing drivers blared their horns in support.

State Sen. Harold Pope Jr., D-Albuquerque, stood amid the crowd in the heart of Downtown to show his support.

“We just had a special session to deal with what’s happening in Washington and now we have the shutdown,” Pope said. “There’s probably some folks fearful of showing up and using your voice, but the reality is, they’re already coming for everybody, and we have to stand together and unite together to change this as a community and as a people.”

Other lawmakers, such as Rep. John Block, R-Alamogordo, called protesters “Hamas radicals” and denounced the rallies.

“Be safe out there, patriots, as Hamas radicals with their ‘intifada’ and Antifa are set to hit the streets with their violent riots today,” Block wrote on social media platform X. “Steer clear of them and pray for the safety of law enforcement.”

Sisters Bernice Herrera and Margaret Aragon-Chavez, along with their grandchildren, said they joined the protest because Trump has made the country more divided than ever before.

“I want my country back to the way it was when people loved each other and didn’t constantly hate,” Herrera said. “What we want is to see people work together for the good of all people, not just one or the other.”

Aragon-Chavez said she fears a loss of women’s and immigrant rights. She said Trump stoked fear in Americans.

“Most presidents are elected to represent all the people and in all of his speeches, all he talks about are his enemies,” she said. “Instead of unifying our county... we all feel divided.”

Take a look at 'No Kings Day' in Downtown Albuquerque