ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — On Saturday, large crowds came together to protest the war in Iran and President Trump’s policies in “No Kings” rallies held across the U.S. and Europe. Minnesota stood out, with thousands gathering at the Capitol in St. Paul, celebrating their resistance to Trump’s strict immigration actions.
The Minnesota event featured Bruce Springsteen as the main performer. His music resonated deeply with the crowd, especially when he sang “Streets of Minneapolis,” a song written after the tragic deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti at the hands of federal agents. He praised the people of Minnesota for their courage, saying their actions reminded the nation of what America is supposed to stand for.
People joined the protests from diverse locations, spanning from the bustling streets of New York City to small towns like Driggs, Idaho.
### Big But Mostly Peaceful Crowds
Organizers estimated earlier “No Kings” rallies had drawn over 5 million participants in June and 7 million in October, with hopes of reaching 9 million this time. They reported over 3,100 events registered across all 50 states.
Most protests remained peaceful, but some incidents were noted. In Los Angeles, authorities used tear gas near a federal detention center. Meanwhile, in Denver, police declared an unlawful assembly after protesters blocked a road.
### Mixed Reactions From Officials
Official responses to the protests varied. White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson dismissed the gatherings as funded by “leftist networks” and lacking real public backing. The National Republican Congressional Committee echoed this sentiment, calling the protests “Hate America Rallies.”
### A Range of Issues Protested
While Trump’s immigration policies often took center stage, many other issues fueled the protests. Participants voiced concerns about the war in Iran, the rollback of transgender rights, and the growing influence of billionaires in politics.
In Washington, protesters marched past the Lincoln Memorial with poignant signs like “Put down the crown, clown.” Some even came dressed as insects with messages poking fun at ICE, highlighting the protest’s mix of humor and seriousness.
In San Diego alone, police estimated about 40,000 participants. Donna Lieberman from the New York Civil Liberties Union spoke passionately, stating that fear should not hold back voices of dissent.
Interestingly, a significant portion of RSVP participants came from outside major urban areas, indicating a wider reach of the movement across conservative states.
### Highlights of the Minnesota Rally
The Minnesota rally was marked as the main event. Prior to Springsteen’s performance, actor Robert DeNiro delivered remarks expressing his gratitude for the collective action. He appreciated Minnesotans for their role in challenging ICE’s presence.
Protesters displayed a striking banner that read, “We had whistles, they had guns. The revolution starts in Minneapolis.” Randi Weingarten, head of the American Federation of Teachers, claimed that Trump can’t ignore the masses taking to the streets.
### Global Solidarity
Similar protests took place globally. In Rome, people marched against Italy’s conservative Premier Giorgia Meloni, while demonstrators in London rallied against far-right ideologies. In Paris, Americans and locals united, expressing their disdain for Trump’s policies and advocating for peace.
These rallies highlight a growing discontent with political landscapes not just in the U.S., but around the world.
In a time where protest culture thrives, the “No Kings” rallies bring light to the issues that matter most to many, showing that collective voices can create ripples across countries, uniting people under shared values and visions for the future.
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