Thousands of people are mobilizing across South Florida this Saturday as part of the national movement No Kings to protest what they describe as an authoritarian shift of the Donald Trump administration and to demand the defense of democracy.
The protests are taking place simultaneously in several cities across the state and are part of a coordinated effort at the national level.
It is expected that today there will be over 2,000 protests held in the U.S. under the slogan "No Kings," a direct reference to the rejection of any attempt to consolidate authoritarian power in the United States.
A mobilization day in South Florida
From early hours of this June 14, which also marks President Trump’s 79th birthday, the streets of Coral Springs, West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Homestead, and Miami Beach began to fill with protesters waving flags, chanting slogans, and holding colorful signs with messages such as “There are no kings in the United States.”
In West Palm Beach, hundreds of demonstrators also gathered.
Especially impressive was the line of people marching towards the vicinity of Mar-A-Lago, the luxurious mansion of the president in Florida.
In Fort Lauderdale, the Sky 10 team captured hundreds of people gathered near the intersection of A1A and Sunrise Boulevard, peacefully marching along the beach while being watched by a significant police presence.
There, two participants held a sign that captured the spirit of the protest: "There are no kings in the United States."
The event was organized by the groups Hope and Action and Indivisible of Broward County, who stated that the demonstration had been in preparation for more than six weeks.
However, the recent unrest in California and other decisions made by the Trump administration injected a renewed urgency into the movement.
“All of this is a joke and no one is doing anything about it. This is our only resource. When will it be enough?” expressed a visibly frustrated protester.
Simultaneous protests in Miami-Dade
In downtown Miami, specifically at the Torch of Friendship, thousands of people gathered starting at 11:30 a.m. to express their discontent.
The journalist Michaila Hightower described the scene as a "passionate yet peaceful protest," with improvised congas around the Tower of Liberty, batucadas, and music such as "This is America" by Childish Gambino setting the atmosphere for the event.
Raquel Pacheco, coach of Miami Indivisible, stated:
“We are here to deliver a clear message to the Trump administration: we will not yield to kings or oligarchs, we will fight for our Constitution and our constitutional rights, and we will do so in a very peaceful and festive manner.”
In Miami Beach, the gathering took place at Pride Park.
According to journalist Bridgette Matter, a brief incident with a counter-protester was quickly managed by the police, who also assisted an elderly woman who fainted from the heat.
The rest of the event went smoothly.
Coral Springs: suburban protest with a significant impact
In Coral Springs, more than 150 people gathered at 8:30 a.m., half an hour before the official start of the demonstration at the intersection of Sample Road and University Drive. The atmosphere, although suburban, was filled with intensity and commitment.
Christine Calareso Bleecker, organizer of the group Resistencia Alegre Indivisible, commented:
"We found strength in the collective, and this was a very accessible way for people living a bit further out in the suburbs to come together, see their neighbors, and say that what is happening is not normal."
Bleecker emphasized the peaceful nature of the protest and highlighted the collaboration with the authorities
"Our relationship with the Coral Springs police has been wonderful. Officer Peña, in particular, has been in close contact. They are here to protect us, not to interfere."
She was also critical of the president's recent policies
"Challenging the Constitution is not normal. Treating immigrants without due process is not normal. Cutting Medicaid funds to organize a military parade... that is not normal."
A national message with a local focus
The protests took place alongside a parade in Washington D.C. to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States Army, coinciding with Donald Trump's 79th birthday.
According to the organizers, this contrast aimed to "highlight the opposition to authoritarianism at a symbolic moment."
In similar statements, Jennifer Jones, another organizer of the group Hope and Action Indivisible, expressed:
"We rise to say that we do not agree with what is happening in our country right now. There are many people in our community—immigrants, working families—who are being attacked, and we are here to defend them."
Jones estimated that more than 2,000 people participated in Fort Lauderdale alone. In addition to those already mentioned, gatherings were also reported in Doral, West Kendall, and Homestead, where the meeting point was 100 Civic Court at 12:30 p.m.
Warnings about potential disturbances
The protests are taking place in an environment of moderate tension following warnings from Florida state authorities, who reminded the public of the ongoing applicability of the "anti-riot" law of 2021, which allows for criminal charges to be brought against protesters if their actions result in violence.
However, at all reported concentration points, no major incidents have been recorded, and the police's actions have primarily been focused on monitoring and assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions about the "No Kings" Protests in Florida Against Trump
What was the "No Kings" movement and why were there protests in Florida?
The "No Kings" movement is a national mobilization organized to protest against what is perceived as an authoritarian shift in the administration of Donald Trump. The protests in Florida were part of a coordinated effort that included nearly 2,000 demonstrations across the United States, coinciding with Trump's birthday and a military parade in Washington D.C., which was also criticized for its "theatrical and propagandistic" nature.
How did the "No Kings" protests unfold in South Florida?
The protests in South Florida occurred peacefully and without major incidents. Thousands of people gathered in cities such as Miami, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, and Homestead, holding signs and chanting slogans against authoritarianism and in defense of democracy. The police presence was primarily for monitoring and assistance.
What measures did the authorities in Florida take during the protests?
The authorities in Florida reminded of the validity of the "anti-riot" law from 2021, which allows for criminal charges to be filed against protesters if their actions result in violence. However, during the "No Kings" protests, no significant incidents were reported, and the police focused on maintaining order and providing assistance when needed.
What motivated Cuban citizens to participate in the protests against Trump?
Many Cubans participated in the protests to express their fear that the United States may become an authoritarian regime similar to the one they experienced in Cuba. They used banners with messages like "No another Commander" to emphasize their concern about Trump's authoritarian policies and their impact on American democracy.
Filed under: