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People across Colorado plan demonstrations against Trump administration in ‘No Kings' protests
From left, John Arsenault, Janet Arsenault and Patty Guerrero join other demonstrators Saturday in Canyon View Park in Grand Junction for a local "No Kings" protest against the Trump administration. (Sharon Sullivan for Colorado Newsline)
Demonstrators were expected to gather at Lincoln Veterans Memorial Park near the Colorado Capitol on Saturday afternoon during one of over 40 protests planned across the state to coincide with a military parade in Washington, D.C., and President Donald Trump's birthday.
The Colorado demonstrations are part of a 'nationwide day of defiance' by the organizers of the movement, dubbed 'No Kings.' The national call for mass demonstrations is in response to the Trump administration's mass deportation efforts, federal funding cuts, defiance of judges in immigration cases and the planned military parade, which could cost up to $45 million. The administration says the parade is to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the creation of the Continental Army, also known as Flag Day.
There has not been a military parade in the nation's capital since 1991 to mark the end of the first Gulf War. Trump critics characterize Saturday's parade as a theatrical display similar to ones hosted by authoritarian leaders abroad.
There were similar protests in Grand Junction, Montrose, Alamosa, Lamar and along the entire Front Range.
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The protest comes after multiple demonstrations in Denver against deportation efforts by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, including a march to an ICE detention center in Aurora on Monday and a large gathering at the Capitol on Tuesday evening. Law enforcement deployed smoke and pepper balls against a group of protesters that marched near the interchange of Broadway and Interstate 25 on Tuesday and made 18 arrests related to the demonstration.
Early Saturday, two Democratic state lawmakers and their spouses were attacked in targeting shootings, leaving Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband dead, according to Minnesota authorities.
The official website of the 'No Kings' protest expresses a 'commitment to nonviolent action.'
Tension across the country has escalated since last weekend when ICE agents undertook raids at restaurants and workplaces in Los Angeles and the surrounding area. That prompted protests in the city, where there were some clashes between demonstrators and law enforcement. Trump then sent Marines and California National Guard troops, against state and local leaders' wishes, into L.A.
Groups including Indivisible Denver Action and the Colorado chapter of 50501 organized a fair alongside Saturday's protest to host a food drive, music, games and showcase the work of various local activist groups.
The 'No Kings' demonstration and fair is scheduled until 4 p.m. A separate protest, specifically against ICE, is scheduled for 4 p.m. at the Capitol.
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A 'No Kings' protest Saturday started at 10 a.m. in Grand Junction. Demonstrators gathered in Canyon View Park.
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