The No Kings Day Protest March in San Antonio: From Our POV
Written and Photographed by Lisa Yang | June 16, 2025
On June 13, 2025, thousands of San Antonians took to the streets of downtown San Antonio near Travis Park to protest the governmental overreach of President Trump. The protesters peacefully demonstrated against a multitude of issues, including ICE raids on immigrants, the genocide in the Gaza Strip, and the unconstitutional actions of the current presidential administration.
The protest was organized by 50501, a nonprofit grassroots political organization, and was named the ‘No Kings Day’ protest. This San Antonio protest was one of many demonstrations held across all 50 states. June 13 was selected for the nationwide show of solidarity against President Trump’s authoritarian actions during his second term. The date also coincided with the 250th military anniversary parade, which had been repurposed as a celebration for the president’s 79th birthday.
The San Antonio protest was scheduled from 5–8 p.m., with the march beginning at 7 p.m. The streets were filled with people of all ages, either joining the march or observing the event. Protesters held up various signs expressing their disdain for the current state of the world and their hopes for a better future. The demonstrators marched along a designated route, with the San Antonio Police Department blocking off certain areas to ensure a safe and smooth protest. Protesters peacefully chanted and waved their signs, supporting one another by offering water and snacks. The crowd was made up of people of all races, ages, and backgrounds—San Antonio presented a united and patriotic front in protest of actions with which its residents do not agree.
This stands in stark contrast to the actions of Texas Governor Greg Abbott, who reportedly considered deploying the National Guard in retaliation for the ‘No Kings Day’ protest, following a prior peaceful protest on June 11 that drew 300 participants. San Antonio is the seventh-largest city in the United States and the only one among the top ten with a Hispanic population of over 50%. With many of President Trump’s immigration policies disproportionately affecting those of Hispanic descent, San Antonio has become a frequent target of ICE operations. These protests are an important step in protecting our immigrant and non-immigrant neighbors and upholding our democratic values.
We will continue to use our constitutional right to fight against and defend our city from unjust acts of aggression.
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Additional Resources
ACLU: Know Your Rights: provides an overview of immigrants’ rights and how to reduce risk in different scenarios, including traffic stops, home raids, and arrests near the border.
American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA): Resources on Raids: includes resources related to Know Your Rights, local rapid response hotlines, a summary of media reports on raids, etc.
American Federation of Teachers (AFT): Know Your Rights Information for Students and Families: fact sheet with action steps and information to help schools and families prepare for immigration enforcement.
Asian Americans Advancing Justice Atlanta: Know Your Rights Resources: links to Know Your Rights cards and posters.*
Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc. (CLINIC): Rapid Response Toolkit: for advocates to prepare for and respond to immigration raids in their communities.
Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC): Know Your Rights Toolkit: resources for advocates and community members, including Know Your Rights, red cards, family preparedness plans, and a train-the-trainer toolkit to support advocates in holding a Know Your Rights presentation in your community.*
Mayan League: Indigenous Language Resources: Know Your Rights audio resources in Mayan Mam.
Tennessee Immigrant & Refugee Rights Coalition (TIRRC) and National Immigration Law Center (NILC): Toolkit for Organizations Responding to Mass Worksite Immigration Raids: an emergency toolkit for advocates when responding to a worksite raid in their community.
