Protesting on 'No Kings' day? Know your rights for anti-Trump protests on Saturday

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2 days ago

Thousands of anti-Trump protests are erupting across the United States this weekend under the banner of 'No Kings' day, a coordinated movement aimed at pushing back against what demonstrators see as authoritarian overreach since the president returned to office in January.
Protesters say the event is a symbolic rejection of what they view as unchecked executive power, highlighting recent policies they argue erode democratic norms and civil liberties — particularly those targeting immigration, LGBTQIA+ communities, and diversity, equity and inclusion efforts.
The 'No Kings National Day of Mobilizations' comes as protests against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Los Angeles escalated this week, following Trump's deployment of the National Guard to the state, an unusual step without the governor's permission.
Under the First Amendment, all individuals in the United States have the right to free speech and assembly, but it's important to understand the limitations of this right.
June 14 is Flag Day, which this year marks the 250th anniversary of the founding of the U.S. Army. To celebrate, the U.S. Army is holding a military parade that will cross in front of Trump's viewing stand and bisect the National Mall. It is expected to include 7,500 soldiers and 120 vehicles, and is estimated to cost up to $45 million.
It is also Trump's birthday.
'President Trump wants tanks in the street and a made-for-TV display of dominance for his birthday. A spectacle meant to look like strength. But real power isn't staged in Washington. It rises up everywhere else,' says the website. '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.'
In response to the parade and other grievances with the Trump administration, No Kings is planning protests nationwide, stating that protesters are not "gathering to feed his ego" but rather "building a movement that leaves him behind.
"The flag doesn't belong to Donald Trump. It belongs to us. We're not watching history happen. We're making it," the event states. "On June 14th, we're showing up everywhere he isn't — to say no thrones, no crowns, no kings."
The demonstrations are organized by Indivisible, a nonprofit coalition of progressive political action groups, which states that it is organizing 'to reject corrupt, authoritarian politics.'
"In America, we don't put up with would-be kings. NO KINGS is a national day of action and mass mobilization in response to increasing authoritarian excesses and corruption from Trump and his allies," the protest event states. "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. They've done this all while continuing to serve and enrich their billionaire allies."
The website nokings.org adds that the day is to "gather to remind President Trump and his enablers: America has No King!"
Public protests are protected in the United States by the First Amendment and are legal in public areas, provided you are not blocking car or pedestrian traffic or blocking access to government buildings.
That said, law enforcement may interpret your intentions differently, and some have acted with force.
The "No Kings" website has a disclaimer with an expectation of peace.
"A core principle behind all No Kings events is a commitment to nonviolent action," the event description states. We expect all participants to seek to de-escalate any potential confrontation with those who disagree with our values.
Organizers urge participants to remain calm and peaceful, even when engaging with counterprotesters, who also have the right to assemble, and especially with law enforcement.
The Human Rights Campaign advises protesters to scope out the area of the protest ahead of time and identify multiple routes out of the area. An offline-accessible map can help, so take a screenshot or save a photo in case cellular data is spotty.
During the protest, remain aware of your surroundings and what's happening around you.
The constitutional protection offered to protesters varies depending on the location, or forum, of the protest, according to the ACLU of Texas.
Public streets, sidewalks, parks and the internet: These are traditional public forums where free speech is highly protected. You can protest here as long as you don't block pedestrian or vehicle traffic or violate local laws.
Plazas in front of government buildings: You generally have the right to protest on public property like this, as long as you're not obstructing access to the building or disrupting its intended use.
Designated public forums: Some areas, like public meetings or certain spaces on school or university campuses, are specifically opened by the government for public expression. These typically receive intermediate to high protection.
Non-public government property: Spaces like military bases or government offices are not considered public forums. Speech may be restricted here, but only in ways that are reasonable and not based on viewpoint.
You cannot protest on private property, which includes housing units and businesses.
Protest signs and sunscreen are just the beginning. Experts at Physicians for Human Rights suggest bringing the following:
Backpack or string bag: Lightweight and hands-free; fanny packs are another compact option.
Face mask or bandana: Can help protect against pepper spray or tear gas and shield your identity if you are concerned about workplace or other forms of retaliation. Hats and sunglasses also help.
Water: Texas heat can be extreme. Bring a large bottle, ideally with a squirt top for rinsing eyes or skin if needed.
Glasses instead of contacts: Chemicals can get trapped under contact lenses. If you wear contacts, use sealed, shatter-resistant goggles.
Comfortable clothes & closed-toe shoes: Cover your skin to avoid exposure; consider plain or all-black clothing to stay unidentifiable. Pack a spare outfit in case of chemical exposure.
ID & emergency contacts: Carry ID and write your emergency contact number on your arm. Include a lawyer's number if applicable.
Vital medications: Bring a few days' supply in labeled prescription bottles in case of arrest or delay. Also carry a medical ID card listing any conditions, allergies, or necessary treatments.
Cash: Useful for transit, food or bail — ATMs may not be accessible.
Snacks: High-energy, protein-rich options to stay fueled during long protests.
Many organizations also advise protesters to leave their phones at home to protect their privacy, as they can easily be tracked. If you must take your phone, keep it turned off until you need it. Before you go, disable Face ID or fingerprint security and stick with a 6-digit passcode instead. You may also consider buying a cheap secondary phone to use.
If you're going without a phone, write important numbers — like an emergency contact or lawyer — directly on your skin using a permanent marker, and seal it with a layer of liquid bandage or clear nail polish to prevent it from smudging or washing off.
When you are lawfully present in a public space, you have the right to photograph or video anything in plain view, including federal buildings and the police, according to the ACLU.
Law enforcement may not confiscate your photos or video without a warrant and may not demand you delete anything, but they can order you to stop if you're interfering with legitimate law enforcement operations.
Before making any arrests, law enforcement must give clear and detailed notice of a dispersal order, according to the ACLU. This includes the time protesters have to leave, the consequences of failing to comply, and a clear and accessible route for dispersal.
Dispersal should be a last resort. Police may only break up a protest if there is a clear and present danger, such as a riot, traffic obstruction, or another immediate threat to public safety.
Don't argue, resist or obstruct the police, even if you believe they are violating your rights: Anything you say or do can be used against you. Arguing or fighting may give police an excuse to arrest you.
Stay calm and don't resist: Do not argue, resist, or obstruct police — even if you believe your rights are being violated. Anything you say or do can be used against you, and resistance may give officers grounds to arrest you.
If you're on foot: If you're stopped but not being detained, you are not required to answer questions. You can calmly ask if you're free to leave.
Searches: Police may pat down your outer clothing if they suspect you're carrying a weapon. Do not resist or touch the officer. Instead, clearly state that you do not consent to any further search. You are never required to consent to a search of your person or belongings — doing so can affect your legal rights later.
If you're detained: You may be required to identify yourself. Politely ask, 'Am I under arrest?' If yes, say you wish to remain silent and request a lawyer. Do not say or sign anything without legal representation. If you're not under arrest, ask if you're free to go.
If you're driving: You must show your driver's license. If you don't have it on you, you may be required to provide your name, license number, address, or date of birth.
Filing a complaint: If you believe police acted improperly, do not confront them on the scene. Instead, write down or record their name, badge number and patrol car number for a formal complaint later.
You have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney.
Remember, police are required to read you your Miranda rights.
You are not required to answer any questions or speak without a lawyer present. Anything you say can be used against you in court, so it's best to remain silent until you have legal representation.
This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Protesting on 'No Kings' day? Here are your rights as a protester