‘No Kings’ protests 2026: Chaotic scene unfolds after thousands gathered for ‘No Kings’ rally in downtown Los Angeles

DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES () — Police issued dispersal orders and made arrests hours after thousands of people gathered for a massive “No Kings” protest in downtown Los Angeles.

By Saturday night, the Los Angeles Police Department was on Tactical Alert, blocking roads and arresting people who refused to leave.

After the peaceful rally and march ended, chaos erupted outside of the Federal Detention Center, where we have seen many other face-offs between protesters and federal agents since the start of the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown last year.

In anticipation of the crowds, Caltrans crews Friday placed security gates along on- and off-ramps to the 101 Freeway in the downtown area. During previous “No Kings” protests in downtown L.A., some participants moved onto freeway lanes, temporarily blocking traffic.

Nationwide, “No Kings” organizers are touting Saturday as the “largest single-day nonviolent protest in modern American history.” They say at least 8 million people gathered at more than 3,300 events across all 50 states and almost every continent.

Protests were scheduled in cities across Southern California, but the largest was at Gloria Molina Grand Park, across from City Hall, in downtown Los Angeles.

Chaotic scene unfolds after rally in downtown L.A.

By the evening, a small group of agitators began facing off with agents outside the Federal Building.

Eyewitness News crews at the scene saw a heavy police presence on Alameda Street near Aliso Street, where officers in tactical gear formed a skirmish line. Over a dozen people were seen handcuffed, lined up against a wall.

According to LAPD, protesters were attempting to tear down a chain-link fence blocking the Metropolitan Detention Center.

Video shows several agitators throwing objects over the fence. Around 5:30 p.m., officers began confiscating items from the crowd and using tear gas to get the crowd under control.

Crews spotted some people who appeared to come prepared for the chaos, wearing respirators.

By about 9 p.m., it appeared things had mostly calmed down in the area, and the Tactical Alert for LAPD ended.

Thousands participated in peaceful rally and march in downtown L.A.

Before the chaos erupted, tens of thousands of people took to the streets and heard from dozens of speakers before marching through downtown. It was a diverse crowd with diverse reasons for showing up.

“I’m out here today because I spent four years in the army, turning around, trying to fight what’s happening in our country right now, you’ve got somebody that is in total power that is overwriting our constitution,” said Don Napoli.

“I feel like our administration is currently taking us down a path of fascism, and I feel like it’s destroying our democracy,” said Patrick Feliciano.

“It’s a chance to actually physically engage, you know, to be together, and realize that there are a lot of like-minded people,” another participant said.

Other rallies held in cities across SoCal

There were “No Kings” protests against the Trump administration in neighborhoods all over SoCal.

At a march and rally around noon in Pasadena, one demonstrator said the news coming out of Washington gives her an uneasy feeling each morning.

“Every morning I wake up, and I feel like I have a low-grade fever. It’s hard to stomach what’s going on in Washington and around the world,” said Kristie Baker from La Canada Flintridge. “I think we’re all just longing to have our voice heard. You feel like there’s not much you can do, but this is something in community we can do together, and hopefully our voice will be heard.”

Demonstrators marched from Pasadena College to City Hall.

In Orange County, a crowd gathered in Huntington Beach, which is typically a conservative stronghold in our region.

Demonstrators lined the streets around the pier, holding signs supporting immigrants and protesting the president.

“We have to fight for our democracy. We have to get it back,” a Huntington Beach protester said.

In the Inland Empire, a “No Kings” rally took on a festive atmosphere in Riverside.

Protesters took over the corner of Market Street and University Avenue, waving signs, singing and chanting.

They denounced everything from the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement tactics to the war with Iran.

In Claremont, there was lots of honking in solidarity as cars passed by a demonstration.

Protesters who spoke to Eyewitness News said they refuse to be silent, urging anyone who disagrees with the administration to speak up.

They say the cost of living has skyrocketed over the past year, and they don’t want their tax dollars paying for the war with Iran.

In Altadena, people gathered in front of the old Altadena Community Church that burned down in the Eaton Fire.

Some held signs protesting ICE and the war in Iran, while others called for a change in power.

The small community demonstration drew dozens of people.

“It’s a no-win war. It’s like Vietnam all over again,” said Joan Aebi. “He’s driving the country in a direction that the people don’t want.”

“You’ve got to show up, you’ve got to speak out, turn out and vote them out,” said Janet Nippel.

Demonstrators brought creative costumes and signs to the “No Kings” protest in Ventura.

A large crowd flooded the green space outside the Ventura County Government Center.

In Long Beach, protesters met at Bluff Park. They lined up along both sides of Ocean Boulevard, holding signs, chanting and calling for change.

Meanwhile, in Baldwin Hills, a woman isn’t letting her health issues stop her from exercising her First Amendment rights.

Judy Bershak, 79, is battling cancer and has limited mobility, but said she feels strongly about the message behind the “No Kings” protests. So, she set up shop outside her apartment complex at the corner of Obama and Hauser with a handmade sign.

“As you can see, this is my walker. I can’t go downtown and march because I just can’t make it that far,” Bershak said. “If I can’t go down there with people, I’ll do it by myself.”

Bershak says the last time she took part in a large group demonstration was the Women’s March back in 2017, and it was like a “religious experience” for her.