Thousands of demonstrators gathered across Metro Detroit Saturday Oct. 18, for “No Kings” protests, voicing concerns about democracy and civil rights under the Trump administration.
“Democracy dies if we let it, so we’re here to raise our voices and to show that we’re not complicit,” said Heather Pacheco, a Detroit protestor. “We’re not going to obey in advance, and we love our democracy so we’re standing up for it.
The demonstrations drew diverse crowds, with participants expressing concerns about various issues, including immigration enforcement and military deployment against civilians.
“I don’t think ICE should be in any city, I don’t think we should deploy our military to our own citizens,” said April Lawson, who attended the Detroit protest.
In Livonia, protesters assembled at the Civic Park Senior Center. Beth Jager Hansen, a demonstrator there, expressed concern about recent events in several cities.
“I am appalled to see what’s been happening in cities like Chicago, Portland, here in Michigan. I’m here protesting for the people because they are scared to leave their house,” she said.
Jennifer Capers attended the Novi demonstration with her daughter Ella, who was participating in her first protest.
“They are eroding away rights. It’s absolutely terrifying what we are seeing happening to people,” Jennifer Capers said.
Ella added, “I’m just here for everybody who can’t be out here.”
In Ann Arbor, Jim Pierson emphasized the urgency of protecting democratic values.
“We are feeling very threatened in our democracy that we choose to live in. We’re going to do whatever we can as a couple to help protect it and guarantee it for future generations,” he said.
There were also demonstrations in other communities in Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties including Troy, Taylor, Farmington Hills, Ferndale, Howell and Sterling Heights.
Protest organizers emphasized the importance of active civic participation.
Marian Mahoney, the chair of the Novi Democratic Club, encouraged continued engagement.
“They want people to feel helpless. And we are not helpless, just find something that’s important to you, find a lane and resist,” she said.
Members of the Michigan GOP have issued responses to the ‘No Kings’ protests, addressing the concerns raised by demonstrators across the state. You can read those here.