MIAMI – Preparations are underway by demonstrators and law enforcement for nationwide anti-Trump “No Kings” protests on Saturday, including four in South Florida.
Organizers said they hope to voice their concerns with the president and the administration.
Jennifer Jones, an organizer with Hope and Action Indivisible, said, demonstrators will be “just exercising our First Amendment right to stand up to say we are not okay with what is happening in our country right now.”
The “No Kings” protests are scheduled nationwide, with four set to take place in South Florida. In Fort Lauderdale, thousands are expected to gather along A1A and Sunrise Boulevard on Saturday morning.
“We’re expecting over two thousand tomorrow; it is going to be huge,” Jones said.
Jones, who has been preparing for six weeks, said their group wants to send a clear message on the same day the president has scheduled a military parade.
“There are a lot of people here that we need to protect: our immigrant community, our low-income folks, our folks that are being attacked and targeted right now and we are coming out to say we are standing up for you,” Jones said.
Local law enforcement emphasized that violence, like what has been seen at immigration-related protests in other states, will not be tolerated.
Fort Lauderdale police issued a statement saying, “There will be a noticeable law enforcement presence, and officers will be monitoring all events closely to ensure the safety of participants, motorists, and our residents.”
In downtown Miami, at the Torch of Friendship, another “No Kings” protest is scheduled.
Organizers are planning what they are calling a peaceful demonstration.
“If we see anybody in the crowd to antagonize, we are quick to point those people out,” Miami protest organizer Raquel Pacheco said.
In Miami Beach, the city is preparing for crowds to arrive at Pride Park, stating, “While we support the community’s First Amendment right to assemble peacefully, we also strongly encourage all participants to articulate their viewpoints in a manner that is both respectful and compliant with the law.”
Miami police said they are aware of the scheduled downtown protest.