'No Kings' protests: Tensions rise in LA as crowd hurls concrete, police allege

More than 2,000 "No Kings Day" protests were held on Saturday, organizers said.

WABC logo
Last updated: Sunday, June 15, 2025 1:50AM GMT
ABC7 Eyewitness News

Saturday marked the first full day of Marines on duty in Los Angeles, one week after protests against Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids ignited in LA and spread to other cities across the U.S., including New York City, San Francisco, Boston, and Austin, Texas.

Meanwhile, more than 2,000 "No Kings Day" protests were held across the U.S. on Saturday to protest the Trump administration and to counterprogram the military parade in Washington, D.C., organizers said. More than 5 million people participated, according to organizers.

Key Headlines

Here's how the news is developing.
ABCNews logo
Jun 12, 2025, 12:45 AM

Timeline: How ICE raids sparked LA protests

As demonstrations continue in Los Angeles and spread to other cities across California and the nation, watch the video for a timeline on how the conflict has unfolded.

With migrant communities already living in fear amid the Trump administration's immigration crackdown, ICE raids in downtown Los Angeles sparked days of protests.
Jun 14, 2025, 12:32 AM GMT

Largest 'No Kings' protest planned at NYC's Bryant Park and will move down Fifth Avenue

In New York City, what's expected to be the biggest demonstration will take place at Bryant Park starting at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday and move down Fifth Avenue to Madison Square Park.

A second 'spur march' is planned at Grace Plaza, described as "a New Orleans-inspired funeral second line parade as a unique artistic delegation" that will join the main march along the way.

Another rally is planned at Columbia University, where organizers say they will also march to join the main rally at Bryant Park.

The NYPD and organizers say they have the same goal - give people a chance to take part in their right to protest and ensure everyone remains safe.

"You do not have a right to engage in violence and lawlessness," Mayor Eric Adams said ahead of planned protests on Saturday.

Janice Yu reports on the security for No Kings Day in New York City.
TaRhonda Thomas Image
Jun 14, 2025, 12:30 AM GMT

Philadelphia leaders urge peace ahead of 'No Kings' protest

Philadelphia could have one of the largest so-called "No Kings" protests in the country on Saturday.

Protesters in Philadelphia will begin marching in Love Park around noon and then go to the famed Art Museum.

With immigration enforcement a heated issue, officials hope cool heads will prevail.

READ MORE | What to know about 'No Kings Day' protests across US to counter Trump military parade

City leaders say people are well within their rights to protest, just do so peacefully.

Philadelphia leaders urge peace ahead of protest

"I'm the mayor and I have to do what I think is in the best interest to protect all Philadelphians," said Mayor Cherelle Parker.

Anticipating what the weekend may bring, the Philadelphia District Attorney's Office vows to punish those who break the law -- whether they be looters and agitators or police and ICE agents -- if they act outside the law.

MORE | Philadelphia 'No Kings' protest: What to know about road closures, parking restrictions and more

"We will also hold accountable anyone and everyone," said District Attorney Larry Krasner (D-Philadelphia), "whether they are uniformed ICE agents or opportunistic criminals who would tuck in behind lawful protests in order to loot. We will hold all of their property accountable."

Governor Josh Shapiro released a statement saying his office is coordinating with the office of Mayor Cherelle Parker.

Their goal is to ensure all protests remain peaceful, lawful and orderly.

Maher Kawash Image
Jun 14, 2025, 12:27 AM GMT

Protests across Chicago area expected to draw thousands

More protests over President Donald Trump's immigration enforcement are expected to get underway this weekend in the Chicago area.

The Chicago Police Department has canceled officers' days off for the weekend in preparation for "No Kings Day" protests and other planned events in the city. Thousands of people are expected to be downtown, and problems can come up quickly with a crowd of that size, but CPD says it's ready to act quickly.

"It's essential for getting the number of officers on the street that you need in order to enforce the laws and protect the citizens," said Monterrey Security Director of Public Safety Anthony Riccio, who is also a former CPD first deputy superintendent. "We still have to police and patrol the neighborhood on a Saturday night or Sunday night in June."

Two demonstrations flooded parts of Chicago's Loop earlier this week, and one resulted in 17 arrests following clashes with CPD. Riccio says heading into the weekend, officers are prepared to respond to any illegal behavior.

"When you identify those individuals, they are identified pretty quickly. You have to grab them and take them into custody, arrest them and remove them from the crowd. One thing I know for certain is bad behavior, criminal behavior, is contagious," Riccio said.

This comes after a large wave of mostly peaceful protests on Thursday night.

A sea of protesters could be seen holding signs, chanting and marching to voice their frustrations and anger with recent immigration raids in the area. Demonstrators also marched and rallied near Chicago's Trump Tower.

Saturday's protest in Chicago is set to take place at Daley Plaza. CPD says its officers are ready to handle the large crowds and prepared with all necessary resources.

WTVD logo
Jun 14, 2025, 2:29 AM GMT

Raleigh police chief says department prepared, urges protesters to be peaceful

Raleigh is preparing for a day of defiance as the "No Kings Day" protests are set to take place nationwide, including in North Carolina's capital.

The rally is scheduled to take place Saturday near a busy shopping center.

The Raleigh Police Department is preparing for it and wants those who will be out here to be safe.

There are over 1,500 "No Kings Day" events nationwide on Saturday to protest the Trump administration and to counter the military parade in DC.

Recently, Raleigh has seen a large wave of protests against a crackdown on illegal immigration in downtown.

Raleigh Police Chief Rico Boyce said his force is prepared for what Saturday may bring and urged demonstrators to be safe as the department prepares for any scenario.

"That's always our goal is to make sure individuals can exercise their right peacefully as well as being safe," Boyce said. "I have very confident and capable personnel within the Raleigh Police Department that can de-escalate situations before they become bigger problems."

Boyce urged anyone attending the rally to remain peaceful and to follow the law.