More than 80 people were arrested across the United States on Sunday during protests organized by the “No Kings” movement against former President Donald Trump, authorities reported. The demonstrations, held in Los Angeles, Denver, Portland, and Dallas, reflect ongoing opposition to Trump’s policies and rhetoric, particularly regarding international affairs and immigration. The scale of the protests suggests a sustained level of activism following Trump’s departure from office, and highlights the deep divisions that continue to characterize the American political landscape.
The most significant number of arrests occurred in Los Angeles, where police reported over 70 detentions, while NBC News reported “at least six dozen” individuals were taken into custody. The Los Angeles Times detailed how tens of thousands of protesters gathered in the city center, with some individuals clashing with police and throwing objects such as rocks, bottles, and concrete.
Despite the largely peaceful nature of the protests, the Los Angeles Police Department issued a dispersal order and deployed tear gas and pepper balls against demonstrators near the Metropolitan Detention Center. Bill Essayli, an assistant U.S. Attorney in the Central District of California, announced on X (formerly Twitter) that federal agents were arresting individuals who attacked law enforcement personnel.
Agents have begun arresting those who attacked our personnel at the courthouse in Los Angeles. To those who threw concrete blocks at our officers, we have you on video. 🇺🇸
— Bill Essayli (@BillEssayli) May 6, 2024
Protests Spread Across Multiple States
Beyond Los Angeles, authorities reported eight arrests in Denver, Colorado, at least two in Portland, Oregon, and one in Dallas, Texas, according to local media reports. These arrests underscore the widespread nature of the “No Kings” movement and its ability to mobilize supporters across the country. The protests weren’t limited to these cities, with demonstrations reported in dozens of other locations nationwide.
In Florida, supporters of Trump reportedly confronted a group of “No Kings” protesters near Mar-a-Lago, Trump’s residence, though no physical altercations were reported. This incident highlights the potential for counter-protests and the heightened tensions surrounding Trump’s continued presence in the political arena.
Organizers of the “No Kings” movement claim that the third day of protests drew at least 8 million participants across more than 3,300 events in all 50 states. While these figures are difficult to independently verify, they suggest a significant level of public engagement and a broad coalition of support.
Key Issues Driving the Protests
The protests centered on several key issues, including what demonstrators described as Trump’s “illegal war” in Iran, which they allege has led to rising fuel prices and inflation. The protests also reaffirmed criticisms of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency and its practices. The specific events triggering the protests in Iran are complex, involving regional conflicts and economic sanctions, but protesters directly linked Trump’s policies to the resulting economic hardship. The Council on Foreign Relations provides background on the ongoing situation in Iran.
A coalition of approximately 400 groups, including Amnesty International, Indivisible, labor unions, and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), are supporting the “No Kings” movement. Organizers stated that this iteration of the protests surpassed previous demonstrations held in October (7 million attendees, 2,700 events) and June 2025 (5 million attendees, 2,100 sites).
Minneapolis as a Focal Point
Minneapolis, Minnesota, served as a major focal point for the protests, with tens of thousands of people gathering in the city. Minneapolis has grow a symbol of resistance against ICE and the Border Patrol following the deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, both U.S. Citizens, at the hands of federal agents in January. The circumstances surrounding these deaths have fueled outrage and calls for accountability.
The deaths of Good and Pretti, while receiving significant attention from activist groups, have not resulted in federal charges against the involved agents as of May 6, 2024. The ACLU and other organizations continue to advocate for a thorough investigation and potential legal action.
The “No Kings” movement’s broad coalition reflects a diverse range of concerns, from immigration reform and racial justice to economic inequality and foreign policy. The movement’s sustained momentum suggests that these issues will continue to be at the forefront of American political debate.
As the movement continues, organizers are planning further demonstrations and advocacy efforts. The next major event is scheduled for May 12th, a nationwide day of action focused on immigration reform. Updates and information about future events can be found on the “No Kings” movement website.
We encourage readers to share their thoughts and experiences regarding these protests in the comments below. If you or someone you know is struggling with the emotional impact of these events, resources are available. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline is available 24/7 at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
