Subscribe

Anti-Trump ‘No Kings’ Protests Kick Off Across Texas

Dubbed the “No Kings” protests, thousands are taking to the streets in opposition to President Donald Trump and his enforcement of federal immigration law.

By |

This article will be updated throughout the day. 

In cities across Texas and the U.S., protestors are taking to the streets in opposition to President Donald Trump, particularly his deportation of illegal aliens via U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

The Texas National Guard and additional Department of Public Safety troopers have been deployed across the state to maintain peace at the demonstrations.

Houston

The Houston “No Kings” protest kicked off at city hall, where thousands gathered as U.S. Rep. Sylvia Garcia (D-Houston) encouraged the crowd to “drown out that military parade going on in D.C.” The U.S. Army is celebrating its 250th birthday.

Signs throughout the crowd expressed opposition to Trump, with at least one appearing to call for his death: “86 47 Is He Dead Yet?” Eighty-six is slang for getting rid of someone, while 47 refers to Trump’s presidency.

Others proclaimed leftist talking points like “no human is illegal” and accused ICE of “ethnic cleansing.”

Protesters also held signs calling for “mass amnesty.”

Houston Mayor John Whitmire put out a statement just before the protest began, urging the crowd to “stand united for peaceful demonstrations” and refuse “disruptors” that seek to infiltrate the event for “their own agenda.”

Protesters eventually left City Hall and began marching through the streets.

Houston police said protesters would not be allowed on the streets after noon, as the event was slated to end then. They cleared the roads of protesters and moved them back to the sidewalks.

Event organizers asked attendees to leave to “keep everyone safe” as time wore on, saying they were not expecting any issues but needed people to go home.

Dallas

In Dallas, the “No Kings” protest began at city hall at noon, with attendees told to remain peaceful.

Crowds in Dallas waved American, Mexican, and LGBT flags while holding up signs calling for an end to ICE and “tyranny.”

One of the protesters carried a sign stating, “86-47” but said she was calling for Trump’s impeachment, not death.

Protesters eventually returned to city hall, where Dallas police estimated about 8,000 gathered. The “No Kings” protest broke peacefully, though a new anti-ICE protest soon broke out.

The new protesters began chanting “F*** Trump” and “Eat the rich.”

Austin

At the Texas Capitol in Austin, “No Kings” protesters gathered outside the grounds, which have been closed off multiple times today following threats to lawmakers. State Rep. Gene Wu (D-Houston) is sponsoring the event, which is expected to run from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. when DPS closes the grounds.

The crowd chanted “No ICE” and “F*** ICE” while waving Mexican flags and holding signs calling for the death of Trump and U.S. Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX).

Lots of LGBT “pride” flags were worn or displayed by protestors, who waved signs stating “No Kings Except Drag Kings (And Queens).” A drag performer bedecked in the American flag also attended the event.

Various signs proclaimed “Trump is Hitler” and “Defeat the Facist Snake.”

U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett (D-Austin) advised the crowd to disperse at the end of the event and avoid any violence. His words were met with cheers from the crowd.

Organizers told the crowd the Austin event was the largest in the state, with roughly 20,000 attendees.

Attendees left the Capitol grounds and made their way to the JJ Pickle Federal Building, where DPS troopers in riot gear met them.

The crowd began growing unruly as the sun set.

San Antonio

In San Antonio at Travis Park, “No Kings” protest organizers urged attendees to maintain peace while accusing Gov. Abbott of instigating “things” by deploying the National Guard.

Protesters waved signs proclaiming “Dykes for Immigrant Rights,” “Keep Bexar Blue,” and “Impeach, Convict, Remove.” Several “86-47” signs were also present in the crowd.

The protest also turned into a pro-LGBT event, with “pride” gear and at least one speaker demanding Texas let them force gender confusion on children, which state law forbids.

Attendees eventually left the park to march through the streets.

Joseph Trimmer, Robert Montoya, Michael Quinn Sullivan, Adam Cahn, Ryan Dy-Liacco, and Luca Cacciatore contributed to this report. 

Sydnie Henry

A born and bred Texan, Sydnie serves as the Managing Editor for Texas Scorecard. She graduated from Patrick Henry College with a B.A. in Government and is utilizing her research and writing skills to spread truth to Texans.

RELATED POSTS