SAN ANTONIO – Multiple “No Kings” protests popped up around the nation on Saturday to coincide with a military parade in Washington, D.C., celebrating the Army’s 250th anniversary.
At least two demonstrations against President Donald Trump and immigration raids brought in thousands of people downtown San Antonio on Saturday evening.
>> PHOTOS: Protests against Trump administration held in downtown San Antonio
Two organizers, Women’s March and 50501, started a demonstration at Travis Park that led to a two-mile-plus march through downtown streets.
Several people marched with signs that included messages such as “No!! Kings!! We’ll rise together” and “Keep America great.”
An organizer told KSAT’s Daniela Ibarra that he expected close to 4,000 people to gather on Saturday night. He said they’ve been working with San Antonio police.
In an Instagram post, 50501 San Antonio said the organization “has always and will always stand for non-violent protest,” adding that Saturday’s protest was expected to be a “strong and peaceful turnout.”
At Alamo Plaza, the Texas National Guard arrived in busloads.
Earlier in the week, Gov. Greg Abbott announced he was sending more than 2,000 Texas DPS troopers and 5,000 Texas National Guard soldiers to cities around the state to help local law enforcement amid the protests. When reached by KSAT, his office did not release how many would arrive in San Antonio.
The This Is Texas Freedom Force was also seen gathering outside the Alamo around 3 p.m.
Group President Ramon Garza told KSAT they’re going to “babysit” the Alamo and “make sure there’s not a repeat of 2020,” when a May protest against police brutality and the killing of George Floyd turned violent.
Alamo Plaza was closed due to the protests. It will reopen at 6 a.m. Sunday.
Law enforcement, local leaders say ‘thank you’ to community after Saturday’s protests
In an X post, the San Antonio Police Department thanked the thousands of demonstrators and organizers who gathered during Saturday’s protests.
“You showed the nation how peaceful, respectful gatherings are done,” the post stated. “We appreciate your cooperation and commitment to making our community proud!”
SAPD Chief William McManus also took to social media to thank those who participated in Saturday’s protests.
“Thank you to the thousands of demonstrators and organizers for showing everyone how it should be done today!!” McManus said in an X post.
In a Facebook post, Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar expressed pride in the community’s ability to peacefully express their views during Saturday’s protests.
“Both recent protests demonstrated how our community can work together to ensure they express their views with civility,” Salazar said. “I’m proud of those who took part in today’s demonstration, carrying themselves with purpose and genuine respect for our city and one another.”
Salazar also said he was proud of the first responders who helped keep the community safe.
“As Sheriff, I am proud of our community and I’m proud to stand with everyone as they make their voices heard,” the sheriff said.
Mayor Ron Nirenberg also thanked demonstrators for remaining peaceful during the protests.
“Thank you, San Antonio, for peacefully assembling to demonstrate your righteous frustration with a federal administration that continues to ignore the fact that this nation is a democracy,” Nirenberg said in an X post. “We showed the very best of our community today.”
Background
Earlier this week, hundreds of people gathered downtown for a protest against Trump and the ongoing federal immigration raids.
The Texas Department of Public Safety confirmed to KSAT there were no arrests made during Wednesday’s protests.
No one was injured and no buildings were damaged, DPS said.
Amid nationwide protests that included clashes in Los Angeles, Dallas and Austin, Gov. Greg Abbott deployed the Texas National Guard and DPS to help with local law enforcement in Texas cities.
On Thursday, he ordered the deployment of more than 5,000 Texas National Guard troops and 2,000 state police. When reached by KSAT, his office did not say where the troops were sent or how many arrived in San Antonio.
During Wednesday’s protest, DPS troopers were seen patrolling the area as San Antonio police officers drove through downtown. Members of This Is Texas Freedom Force were also seen standing around the Alamo carrying firearms.
Earlier on Wednesday, Mayor Ron Nirenberg said the city did not request the troops and had received “no advance warning” from Abbott’s office.
City officials at the press conference said they were not aware of the number of troops sent to San Antonio. SAPD Chief William McManus also said they were not currently in contact with the troop’s commander.
In a statement, Abbott said Texas “will not tolerate the lawlessness we have seen in Los Angeles.”
“Peaceful protests are part of the fabric of our nation, but Texas will not tolerate the lawlessness we have seen in Los Angeles in response to President Donald Trump’s enforcement of immigration law,” Abbott said, adding the troops and state police will help “maintain law and order.”
“Anyone engaging in acts of violence or damaging property will be arrested and held accountable to the full extent of the law. Don’t mess with Texas — and don’t mess with Texas law enforcement," he said.
Latest protests in the San Antonio area
On Sunday, June 8, the Party for Socialism and Liberation (PSL) San Antonio organized “No To Mass Deportations - ICE Out Of San Antonio” at City Hall.
This happened a week after ICE officers were seen detaining people outside the San Antonio Immigration Court and on UTSA’s campus.
Two additional protests were planned on Saturday.
The first protest was scheduled to take place at 10 a.m. at the Park-N-Ride in front of the Wilson County Justice Center, located at 800 10th St., in Floresville.
Mujeres Marcharan held the other protest at 11 a.m. at Labor Plaza, 500 E. Market St. Click here for coverage of that protest.
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