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EL CENTRO, Calif. — Dozens of Imperial Valley residents gathered Oct. 18 at the intersection of Imperial Avenue and Main Street to mark “No Kings Day,” a grassroots demonstration calling for equality, democracy, and opposition to authoritarianism. While small in number, the gathering formed part of a growing movement that spread through cities across the United States the same day, drawing tens of thousands nationwide in what organizers described as a collective call to protect democratic principles and reaffirm that “no one is above the people.”
The event in El Centro coincided with demonstrations in major U.S. cities, including Los Angeles, New York, Washington, D.C., and Chicago. According to early reports from organizers and independent observers, more than 2,000 rallies took place nationwide, ranging from large marches of over 100,000 people in major metropolitan areas to intimate gatherings in small towns. The “No Kings” message—rejecting the concentration of power and defending constitutional checks and balances—became a unifying slogan in a politically polarized nation still grappling with the aftermath of years of division.
In Imperial County, participants waved handmade signs reading “Power to the People” and “No More Political Royalty.” Chants promoting civic participation echoed through downtown El Centro as drivers honked in support. Organizers described the demonstration as peaceful yet deeply symbolic, emphasizing that ordinary citizens must remain engaged to preserve the democratic process.
Local advocate Eric Reyes, who has long worked on civic engagement initiatives, said the turnout reflected a broader awakening among residents who feel the weight of national politics in their daily lives.
“I think it’s great that people are coming out,” Reyes said. “They’re showing their passion. People are waking up to the fact that even if they haven’t felt the impact yet, we’re going to be seeing bigger effects — especially in medical care, education, and the dismantling of democratic principles.”
Reyes warned that when political power becomes overly concentrated, citizens must respond before imbalance turns into injustice.
“There has to be a check and balance in power,” he added. “We’re seeing someone gaining too much control, and there have to be limits. This protest is a great sign, but I’m hoping it translates into votes.”
With a special election approaching, Reyes and other speakers urged residents to become informed and mobilize their communities.
“Special elections historically have extremely low turnout,” Reyes said. “We’re hoping to change that. People are learning, they’re passionate, and they’re challenging their neighbors — telling their friends to get involved. That’s how we strengthen democracy.”
The demonstration also became a platform to discuss Proposition 50, a California initiative that would allow the state legislature to temporarily redraw congressional district maps beginning in 2026, replacing the current independent redistricting commission. Supporters argue the change would give elected representatives more flexibility, while opponents warn it could open the door to gerrymandering.
Among the groups present was the United Domestic Workers (UDW) Union, whose members joined the rally urging residents to vote Yes on Proposition 50 to protect access to health care and ensure fair political representation.
Isabel Serrano, representing the UDW, said that maintaining equality in political representation directly affects funding for essential programs such as IHSS (In-Home Supportive Services) that serve seniors and people with disabilities.
“If we don’t have the same democracy and equality when it comes to votes in the House of Representatives, we will be affected,” Serrano said. “We’re already losing medical coverage for seniors, and that concerns us deeply. IHSS could disappear, and it’s an important program that supports our most vulnerable.”
Vietnam veteran Thomas Henderson was among those who joined to express concern about what he sees as the erosion of American constitutional values.
“First of all, we belong in a democracy — our country is based on democratic principles,” Henderson said. “The fact that a president has moved this far in taking away the basics of our Constitution is horrible. We have to stand up. We have to have no kings. We have to have courts that stand up.”
He also appealed to veterans and Hispanic residents to take part in civic life.
“I’m asking veterans who served to stand up against what’s going on. I ask all Hispanics in the community — if you don’t stand up, you might be next,” Henderson said.
Like Reyes and Serrano, Henderson voiced support for Proposition 50, describing it as a safeguard against partisan manipulation of congressional districts.
“We’re standing for Prop 50 because President Trump used the Texas governor to eliminate Democratic districts to secure a congressional majority,” he said. “People say Prop 50 is a local issue — it’s local, but it’s also about protecting Congress. It should be bipartisan, and no one group should overwhelmingly own it unless voters choose it.”
Local law enforcement maintained a visible but respectful presence throughout the event, ensuring public safety without interfering with demonstrators. The protest remained peaceful for the duration, concluding with a moment of silence and applause for the democratic values the group said they were defending.
A National Wave of Civic Awakening
Across the nation, “No Kings Day” demonstrations were marked by colorful displays, intergenerational participation, and a sense of urgency. From Seattle to Miami, crowds carried banners calling for “Truth, Fairness, and Freedom.” While many protests criticized the Trump administration’s recent moves—such as expanded executive authority and the use of National Guard deployments during social unrest—others focused on nonpartisan civic engagement and voter registration efforts ahead of the 2025 special election season.
Major media outlets, including Reuters and The Guardian, reported that rallies took place in all 50 states, attracting diverse coalitions of teachers, veterans, labor unions, and youth groups. Organizers described the protests as an “affirmation of American democracy” rather than a partisan attack. Despite heated rhetoric online, police in most cities reported minimal incidents or arrests.
Political analysts note that large-scale protests have often served as catalysts for civic participation. Data from previous election cycles show that voter registration typically spikes in the weeks following major demonstrations. Whether “No Kings Day” will have a similar effect remains to be seen, but the momentum is clear: citizens across the country are voicing a shared conviction that democracy requires daily defense, not occasional celebration.
