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Ali Velshi: ‘No kings': Mass anti-Trump protests sweep across the U.S.

Ali Velshi: ‘No kings': Mass anti-Trump protests sweep across the U.S.

Yahoo21-04-2025

This is an adapted excerpt from the April 20 episode of 'Velshi.'
In the three months since Donald Trump returned to the White House, he hasn't done a lot to ease his critics' concerns. Whether it's tariffs, mass deportation or the attempts to eliminate federal agencies, his policies have caused chaos and confusion at every turn. There are also legitimate concerns about his disregard for the law, the Constitution and people's civil liberties. The speed with which his administration has been making these changes has been destabilizing.
For a while, people were trying to figure out how to fight back. While there hasn't been one big, unified response, there are signs that momentum for the resistance is building.
Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York have been on their 'Fighting Oligarchy' tour, which has received a tremendous response. They've been drawing large crowds since last month and drawing attention to billionaires' influence in government. Last week, tens of thousands of people from California to Montana turned out for their rallies.
Meanwhile, constituents have flooded town halls all over the country. Many people have been angry and want answers from their representatives. They want to hold them accountable — and in many instances, they want them to fight back against this administration.
There have also been individual actions from members of Congress who have galvanized support as well. The latest example of that is Sen. Chris Van Hollen of Maryland's visit to El Salvador to see Kilmar Abrego Garcia, who the U.S. government admits was mistakenly deported to the country.
For some, it's been a relief to see people come out and stand up against this administration, partly because there were concerns early on that the resistance movement that greeted Trump at the outset of his first term had grown weary, or that people had no energy nor appetite to fight back this time around. But maybe what we're seeing now is a different kind of resistance: one that's learning to adapt and sustain to become a more lasting movement.
On Saturday, that movement continued. People in hundreds of towns and cities across the country gathered again for a day of action, at the White House, at state capitols, at public institutions, at national landmarks, and so on, to protest a number of things this administration has done and is continuing to do.
There were signs that called for people to 'resist tyranny,' which also called to mind that Saturday marked the 250th anniversary of the start of the Revolutionary War against Great Britain. Some events were even billed as a 'No Kings' protest, which was a particularly popular message in Massachusetts, where the Battles of Lexington and Concord, the first battles of the Revolutionary War, took place.
Other causes also brought people out to the streets, including defending due process rights, a key issue at the heart of Abrego Garcia's case. Abrego Garcia was initially sent to a notorious Salvadoran megaprison, though he told Van Hollen last week that he has since been sent to a different facility. But the Trump administration sent about 200 other men to that prison. And they're trying to send more, using a rarely invoked wartime law called the Alien Enemies Act.
One protester in New York City told NPR that that was the No. 1 issue that brought him out to protest Saturday: 'Congress should be stepping up and saying, 'No, we are not at war. You cannot use that.' ... You cannot deport people without due process, and everyone in this country has the right to due process no matter what.'
There are other signs that people are continuing to pay attention and figuring out how to engage in their own ways. One of the organizers of Saturday's day of action, the group 50501, whose name stands for 50 protests, 50 states and one movement, said that there were more than just rallies taking place. There were also community-oriented events like food drives, teach-ins and volunteering opportunities.
While a significant number of people turned out for Saturday's protests, most estimates and reports suggest it was smaller than the demonstrations from two weeks ago. But, as they say, courage is contagious.
Sarah Brenner, a stay-at-home mom who attended a rally in Everett, Washington, told The Seattle Times that large protests like these 'show everyone else who might be feeling alone that there are people who feel the same as them and are feeling brave enough to speak out.'
This article was originally published on MSNBC.com

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Los Angeles police begin ‘mass arrests' after downtown curfew kicks in
Los Angeles police begin ‘mass arrests' after downtown curfew kicks in

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Los Angeles police begin ‘mass arrests' after downtown curfew kicks in

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In the news today: Trump's tariffs remain in effect, Canadians critical of Israel
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'No Kings' protests planned in Houston; when, where, what you need to know
'No Kings' protests planned in Houston; when, where, what you need to know

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'No Kings' protests planned in Houston; when, where, what you need to know

The Brief Several protests are planned in the Houston area this Saturday. 'No Kings' is the movement mobilizing the demonstrations. June 14 is the 250th anniversary of the founding of the U.S. Army and the president's 79th birthday. HOUSTON - Half a dozen protests are planned in Houston for Saturday, June 14 by the No Kings movement, according to their website. What we know The website says protests are planned in multiple Houston suburbs spanning multiple counties. Law enforcement agencies and Governor Greg Abbott's office says they are aware and prepared for the demonstrations. 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FOX 26 called the diner, who was unaware of the demonstration) Time: 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. Kingwood Location: Kingwood Drive & West Lake Houston Parkway 9:30 a.m. -12 p.m. Conroe Location: Conroe City Hall 300 W Davis St, Conroe, TX 77301 Time: 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. League City Time: 12 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. Location: Not provided on 'No Kings' website What they're saying The 'No Kings' website says June 14 "is a national day of action and mass mobilization in response to the increasing authoritarian excesses and corruption of the Trump administration." The website allows visitors to sign up to "host" an event and indicates that the demonstrations are community-organized. The website reads, "A core principle behind all 'No Kings' events is a commitment to nonviolent action. We expect all participants to seek to de-escalate any potential confrontation with those who disagree with our values and to act lawfully at these events. Weapons of any kind, including those legally permitted, should not be brought to events." Big picture view June 14 is Flag Day, the 250th anniversary of the founding of the U.S. Army, and President Donald Trump's birthday. The White House posted a video of President Trump announcing a "spectacular military parade in Washington, D.C. like no other," promising tanks and flyovers for the celebration. The caption reads, "Join us in D.C. on Sat., June 14, for an unforgettable celebration of 250 years of the U.S. Army—the greatest fighting force in the history of the world. We're marking this historic milestone with a once-in-a-lifetime military parade." Governor Gregg Abbott's office released the following statement concerning the planned protests: "The State of Texas stands ready to deploy all necessary personnel and resources, including Texas Department of Public Safety troopers, to uphold law and order across our state. Peaceful protests are part of the fabric of our nation, but Texas will not tolerate the lawlessness we have seen in Los Angeles. Anyone engaging in acts of violence or damaging property will be swiftly arrested and held accountable to the full extent of the law. - Andrew Mahaleris, press secretary The Montgomery County Sheriff's Office issued the following release in response to the planned protests: "The Montgomery County Sheriff's Office is aware of the intent to protest this weekend in Montgomery County. While we do not publicly share operational plans or tactical preparations, we want to reassure our community that we are working closely with local, state, and federal law enforcement partners to ensure a safe environment for all. Our top priority remains the safety and security of our community, and we are fully prepared to respond to any public safety concerns swiftly and professionally. We respect and support the constitutional right to peaceful protest. Lawful assembly and the free expression of ideas are foundational rights we all share. To those planning to attend, we ask that you exercise those rights responsibly, with respect for one another and for our community. Our deputies are committed to ensuring everyone has the opportunity to peacefully express their views while maintaining order and safety. We are not here to silence voices, we are here to protect lives, property, and the peace of our county. Let it be known: We are confident in the strength and unity of Montgomery County, and we will not allow disorder or criminal activity to disrupt that. As your Sheriff, I will always stand for law and order and defend the people and property of Montgomery County. We support the right to peaceful protest, but we will not tolerate violence, chaos, or threats to public safety. Our deputies stand ready to protect this community with strength, resolve, and zero hesitation. I want to thank Governor Abbott for his steadfast commitment to law and order in Texas. As the Governor has said, if you come here to cause trouble, you'll be met with accountability. In Montgomery County, we don't back down from protecting our people." -Sheriff Wesley Doolittle For official updates." The Sugar Land Police Department issued the following statement in response to the planned protests: "The Sugar Land Police Department is aware of the event and is planning staffing accordingly. Our top priority is keeping the public safe. The SLPD supports the constitutional right of individuals to peacefully protest. Our role is to maintain public safety for all members of our community." League City Mayor Nick Long sent a statement regarding the demonstration saying, "There is one planned for League City. People are welcome to peacefully gather and protest, but blocking traffic or other shenanigans will not be tolerated." The Source This article was written with information from the 'No Kings' website, the Sugar Land Police Department, The Montgomery County Sheriff's Office, Governor Greg Abbott's office and the White House.

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