Danielle Cortez
Audio By Carbonatix
For the first time since October, the nationwide anti-Trump No Kings protests are returning to the Valley this Saturday.
During the first few months of President Donald Trump’s tenure, thousands of people gathered to protest his administration’s policies at several “No Kings” demonstrations throughout the Valley. Demonstrators railed against Tesla CEO Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency and federal funding cuts. The most recent protest in the series occurred last fall as protesters focused on rallying against the administration’s mass deportation polices and militarized Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
But a lot has happened since then.
Overseas, the Trump administration kidnapped Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro over alleged drug trafficking in January, a move viewed by many as an attempt to exert control over the oil-rich Latin American country. More recently, the U.S. and Israel began a war with Iran — without Congressional approval — leading to skyrocketing oil prices and a rising death toll, including from a strike on an Iranian girls’ school.
Domestically, ICE agents killed Minneapolis protesters Nicole Good and Alex Pretti in January, sparking increased outrage against the agency as the Trump administration characterized the victims as domestic terrorists and protected the agents involved. Locally, ICE has purchased a warehouse in Surprise to turn into a detention center, which has troubled residents there.
“The stakes have only grown closer to home,” said Brent Peak, co-chair of the activist group Northwest Valley Indivisible, in a statement on the March 28 protest. “The Northwest Valley is watching, and we are showing up.”
Suffice it to say, Valley residents have a lot to be angry about. During the October “No Kings” protest, more than 7 million people attended more than 2,700 events across the country. This time around, organizers expect similar numbers, with more than 3,000 demonstrations planned nationwide.
“While Arizonans are struggling to pay rent and put food on the table, this administration is pouring billions into ICE raids and billionaire tax cuts,” said Meagan O’Connor, an organizer with Mesa Valley Indivisble wrote in a statement. “That is not a government that works for us.”
Here’s what you should know about Saturday’s protests.
When and where are the Phoenix ‘No Kings’ protests?
The largest protest and rally is expected to be at the Arizona Capitol near downtown Phoenix, located at 1700 W. Washington St. It’s planned from 2-5 p.m. on March 28, though past demonstrations have lasted longer than the official schedule and often resulted in marches through downtown Phoenix.
There are several other, smaller events being held around the Valley on Saturday, which can be found on the “No Kings” website’s map tool. They include:
- Scottsdale: East Camelback Road and North Scottsdale Road, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- Tempe: 2000 E Carson Drive, 2.5-mile march, 9 -11 a.m.
- Chandler: 439 N Coronado Street, Thude Park and Chandler Blvd, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- Mesa: 1665 S Stapley Drive, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- Gilbert: 75 E Civic Center Drive, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- Northwest Valley: Multi-site protest in Sun City, Sun City West, Peoria, Surprise and Glendale, 9-10:30 a.m.
- Apache Junction: South Phelps Drive and East Old West Highway, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- North Phoenix: 2501 E Happy Valley Road, 9-10:30 a.m.
- Goodyear: 1755 N Civic Square, 9-11 a.m.
- Anthem: West Anthem Way and North Gavilan Peak Parkway, 1-3 p.m.
There will also be protests across the state in cities like Queen Creek, Fountain Hills, Maricopa, Florence, Superior, Tucson, Casa Grande, Nogales, Yuma, Prescott, Flagstaff and Sedona.
How can I get involved in the Phoenix ‘No Kings’ protests?
You can RSVP to the protest by looking at the map, selecting a specific protest and signing up for updates. You can also send questions to info@nokings.org. The website also offers resources for anyone interested in signing up to host their own protest event.
Who is organizing the protests?
Hundreds of grassroots organizations are working together on the day of action, including many local Indivisible groups, the 50501 movement, Stand Up Together, The Big Blue Bubble, the ACLU, American Federation of Teachers, Common Defense, Human Rights Campaign, League of Conservation Voters, MoveOn, National Nurses Unified, Public Citizen, SEIU and others.
What should I know before I go?
It’s not even April yet, but temperatures have already reached triple-digits in Phoenix. According to AccuWeather, temperatures are expected to reach as high as 99 degrees on Saturday. There will be limited cloud cover and no rain in the forecast. Attendees should bring plenty of water, sunscreen and shade, like an umbrella or baseball cap.
Depending on the location, protesters should stay on public sidewalks to avoid running afoul of trespassing laws with local businesses or police.
For those protesting at the Capitol, protesting and other organizing activities must be conducted between 5 a.m. and 10 p.m. Here are other notable Capitol regulations:
- Protesters must also keep 10 feet away from all buildings and minimize damage to state property.
- To amplify sound, an event application must be submitted 10 days prior. Otherwise, “volume must be reduced to a reasonable level.” An event application is not required if no sound will be amplified.
- Equipment, including banners and signs, may not be staked into the ground or otherwise affixed to landscapes, sidewalks or buildings.
Organizers encourage you to bring signs, banners, posters and flags. If you don’t yet have a flag, odds are there will be someone at the Capitol to sell you one.
