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Demonstrators decrying U.S. President Donald Trump’s aggressive deportation efforts, the ongoing war in Iran, and rising living costs marched through cities and towns across the U.S., on March 28, 2026, in the third nationwide wave of “No Kings” protests.

More than 8 million people turned out at over 3,300 “No Kings” protests across all 50 states on Saturday, organizers said, calling it the largest single-day demonstration in U.S. history. The first two rounds, in June and October 2025, drew an estimated 5 million and 7 million, respectively.

The protests centered on concerns over what organizers described as increasing authoritarianism, alongside frustration with rising living costs and federal enforcement policies.

“Trump wants to rule over us as a tyrant,” the No Kings website says. “But this is America, and power belongs to the people – not to wannabe kings or their billionaire cronies.”

Protests in major US cities, suburbs and towns

“No Kings” protesters marched through suburbs, major cities, and small towns across the U.S., carrying signs. Some of the large rallies took place in New York, Dallas, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Washington and Minnesota. In New York, an estimated tens of thousands of protestors stretched more than 10 blocks in midtown Manhattan.

Actor Robert De Niro, one of the organizers, said that no president before Trump has posed “such an existential threat to our freedoms and security.” Holly Bemiss, 54, described the New York rally as a continuation of her ancestors’ fight during the American Revolution. “We fought against having kings, and we fought for freedom,” she said. “We’re just doing it again.”

USA today:

7 million Americans in the streets today protesting for freedom.
3,000 cities and towns. Every single state. “No Kings” protests against the authoritarianism of the Trump. This is one of the largest demonstrations in American history.

pic.twitter.com/cLAwlXK69f

— James Melville 🚜 (@JamesMelville) March 28, 2026

In Michigan, turnout was among the highest in the country. Organizers reported that more than 25,000 people attended rallies across the Detroit metropolitan area.

Similar events took place across nearly 50 locations in metro Detroit, including Ferndale, Romulus, Farmington Hills, Northville, Livonia, and Macomb. Statewide, more than 100 communities participated.

In downtown Detroit, around 4,500 protesters gathered at Grand Circus Park before marching along Woodward Avenue, prompting temporary road closures as demonstrators carried signs and chanted slogans. Participants said the demonstrations were rooted in constitutional concerns, reflecting broader unease about governance and civil liberties.

Thousands attend rally in Minnesota

The largest single gathering took place in Minnesota, which organizers designated as the flagship location for the day’s events. Organizers estimated over 200,000 attendees, believing it to be the largest in the state’s history. However, the Minnesota State Patrol estimates over 100,000 people attended the protest.

Many carried signs bearing the names of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, two individuals killed earlier this year during a federal law enforcement operation in Minneapolis.

A massive No Kings crowd turns out in Minneapolis, Minnesota pic.twitter.com/WAzXJFtG5L

— Headquarters (@HQNewsNow) March 28, 2026

The rally featured speeches and appearances from prominent public figures, including Bruce Springsteen, Joan Baez, Jane Fonda, and U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders. “We will not allow this country to descend into authoritarianism or oligarchy,” Sanders said. “We, the people, will rule.”

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz also addressed the crowd, framing the protests as part of a broader democratic movement. “They call us radicals. You’re damn right we’ve been radicalized – by compassion, by decency, by due process, by democracy,” Walz said.

Springsteen performed “ Streets of Minneapolis,” the song he wrote in response to the fatal shootings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti by federal agents.

Organizers said Minnesota was selected as a focal point due to recent tensions involving federal enforcement actions in the state.

Protesters Clash with Police Outside Portland ICE Facility

In Portland, a large “No Kings” demonstration moved to the city’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) building after rallies downtown.

According to Oregon Public Broadcasting (OPB), hundreds of protesters gathered outside the facility, a frequent site of anti-Trump demonstrations over the past year. Demonstrators chanted, “ICE out of Portland,” with some remaining on sidewalks while others crowded the driveway in front of the building.

Portland Police reported that three people were arrested after the crowd repeatedly stepped onto the ICE driveway. At times, protesters pushed open the gates before retreating into the crowd, and one person briefly climbed onto a lower part of the building, OPB added.

Police eventually declared an “unlawful assembly,” ordering the crowd to disperse and significantly reducing its size.

Background and Timeline of the Movement

Saturday’s demonstrations marked the third major mobilization of the “No Kings” movement. The first took place on June 14, 2025, coinciding with Flag Day and President Trump’s birthday, and drew an estimated four to six million participants across roughly 2,100 locations.

A second wave followed on October 18, 2025, with about seven million people participating in more than 2,700 cities.

Organizers announced the latest protests earlier this year, citing both long-term planning and recent developments, including the Minneapolis incident and increased federal enforcement activity in some areas.

The movement is backed by a coalition of more than 35 groups, including labor unions, civil rights organizations, faith communities, immigrant advocacy groups, and environmental activists. The events on Saturday have been organized by national and local groups, including progressive coalitions such as Indivisible, 50501 and MoveOn.

Clashes and Security Situation

While most demonstrations remained peaceful, some cities reported tensions between protesters and counter-protesters.

In Dallas, counter-protesters disrupted a march, leading to clashes and at least one detention. Police later made additional arrests as the situation escalated.

In Los Angeles, authorities issued a tactical alert after unrest near a federal facility. Officials said some individuals threw objects, including bottles and concrete pieces, prompting federal agents to deploy tear gas. A dispersal order followed, and multiple arrests were reported.

Elsewhere, minor scuffles were reported as counter-protesters attempted to block streets or confront demonstrators.

Political Reactions

The protests drew strong reactions from political leaders and officials. The White House dismissed the demonstrations, downplaying their significance and criticizing those involved.

“The only people who care about these Trump Derangement Therapy Sessions are the reporters who are paid to cover them,” White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson said in a statement. Jackson criticized the events, calling them “Trump Derangement Therapy Sessions.”

Republican groups also criticized Democratic politicians for supporting or aligning with the protests, describing the events as politically motivated.

On the other side, participants and organizers said the demonstrations reflect growing public concern and civic engagement.

In a nod to the protests, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand of New York said she planned to introduce a bill to bar presidents from putting their name, likeness or signature on federal property or money. “In America, we do not bow to kings,” Gillibrand said.

Growing Movement Ahead of Elections

The scale of participation suggests the “No Kings” movement is expanding beyond major urban centers. Organizers noted that nearly two-thirds of events took place in smaller towns and suburban areas.

The protests come as the United States approaches midterm elections that will determine control of Congress. Activists say interest in organizing and voter engagement is increasing, including in traditionally conservative regions.

Recent polling has indicated declining approval ratings for President Trump, adding political context to the demonstrations.

Organizers say protests are likely to continue in the coming months as opposition groups seek to sustain momentum and influence the national debate.

“No Kings” protesters assembled to form a message reading “TRUMP MUST GO NOW!” at Ocean Beach in San Francisco, California today pic.twitter.com/4xq9PicSvh

— Brendan Gutenschwager (@BGOnTheScene) March 28, 2026