Los Angeles, United States - October 18, 2025 10/18/2025 01:00 pm GMT-0700 PASADENA, Calif. – Thousands of demonstrators gathered in Southern California Saturday morning as part of the nationwide “No Kings” protest movement, a coordinated effort sweeping across more than 2,600 U.S. cities. Key News Network captured a local protest in Pasadena, where an estimated 2,000 to 3,000 people assembled around City Hall. Many carried signs that read “No Thrones — No Crowns — No Kings,” reflecting the movement’s message. These demonstrations took place amid heightened tensions over recent federal immigration enforcement actions and the deployment of federal law enforcement and National Guard assets within the city. Organizers emphasize that the “No Kings” protests represent a broader campaign against what they describe as the consolidation of presidential power, erosion of democratic norms, and disregard for civil service protections. Their message underscores that the U.S. is not meant to be ruled by a king. Across the country, speakers and activists rallied under the same banner, linking the Pasadena event to the national initiative. While protests in many cities remained peaceful, some areas have previously experienced tensions with law enforcement, resulting in curfews and crowd-control measures. Supporters describe the movement as a patriotic expression of civic engagement, while critics, particularly some Republican officials, have labeled it “anti-American” or associated it with extremist groups. Los Angeles officials remain vigilant for possible escalation as the national movement is regarded by its advocates as one of the largest coordinated protest efforts in U.S. history.