Thousands of people marched, chanted, honked, and carried signs and American flags across North Carolina on June 14 to protest the policies and tactics of President Donald Trump.
From Raleigh to Chapel Hill, Cary to Durham and sidewalks in between, residents took part in dozens of “No Kings” demonstrations, rallies that organizers called a nationwide day of defiance against the Trump administration. They say Trump defies Congress, the courts, and federal law through his executive orders and the unilateral slashing of government programs.
Over 1,500 “No Kings” events were scheduled nationwide for Flag Day and to coincide with a military parade in Washington, D.C., organized by the Trump administration on the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army and Trump’s 79th birthday.
On Capital Boulevard in Raleigh, thousands lined both sides of the road with signs taking aim at the Trump administration’s actions on topics such as immigration policy and federal funding decisions.
“The ICE raids that are happening in Los Angeles have been really detrimental to our community,” said Lizeth Olivera, who was at the Capital Boulevard protest site. “We live in fear every day that something might happen to the people that we love.”
A second Raleigh rally, hosted by state and Wake County Democratic party groups, began at 4 p.m. at the State Capitol downtown, with cars honking to people carrying “No Kings” signs along Morgan Street.
Several hundred gathered on the lawn to hear from speakers, including U.S. Rep. Deborah Ross, Anderson Clayton, head of the state Democratic Party, and state Rep. Phil Rubin of Wake County. Between speeches, the crowd chanted slogans, such as “No hate. No fear. Immigrants are welcome here,” and “Love, not hate, makes America great.”
Adriana Cruz was born in Mexico but raised in North Carolina, calling the state home for more than 30 years. She brought her young son to the protest Saturday, herself wearing a Mexican soccer jersey and a necklace of red, white and blue flowers. She waved both Mexican and American flags as traffic honked by.
“My son is Mexican-American, this is their future,” Cruz said of increased immigration enforcement activity. “We grew up in it a little bit but not like this.”
Matt and Marianne Kersey of Raleigh said they’re good examples of bipartisan voters who care about the impact of Trump’s policies.
“I’ve voted for Democrats, I’ve voted for Republicans,” Marianne Kersey said. “I just think from our Christian point of view, we have to care about people who are here. Everybody has a right to due process, and we know there’s evidence and not everybody is getting due process.”
Matt Woodard of Garner carried an American flag with a fist in place of the stars. “I’m tired of people being oppressed,” Woodard said. “I’m not affiliated with any party, but I don’t believe in treating people like (Trump) is. He’s chasing people and trying to scare them. You don’t treat people like that, especially the leader of a country.”
Woodard said this was the first time he’d ever taken part in a protest. “I’m proud I’m here,” he said. “It makes me feel like I’ve done something in a small way for my country.”
Demonstrators also came together in Winston-Salem, High Point, Hillsborough, Morrisville, Cary, Fayetteville, Oxford, Sanford, Jacksonville, Durham, and Chapel Hill.
Thousands of people gathered in downtown Durham. Tania Romero was one of those at the rally. She said she was motivated by protesting the policies of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), but said this is even bigger than just one issue.
“It’s affecting everyone, honestly, at this point,” Romero said. “Not just immigrants, but regular citizens here. Lots of children that are being affected, and just everyone, honestly.”
In Chapel Hill, large crowds were seen at Peace and Justice Plaza on E Franklin St. Some said they weren’t just happy to voice their opinions; it was a chance to join with others who felt the same way.
“It was amazing, it brought tears to my eyes how much unity and love was here,” said Brandi Collins.
