Saturday, Oregonians will join a global Day of Action, with more than 60 “No Kings” rallies planned across the state, to protest what organizers described as the growing authoritarianism of the current administration.
It is anticipated to be one of the largest single-day protests in modern history, with millions participating in more than 2,600 events globally.
Lisa Stiller, organizer for the group Beaverton Indivisible, which is helping coordinate many of Oregon’s events, said people will be voicing their concerns about the increased detention of immigrants, attempts to deploy the National Guard to Portland and other cities, and the rising cost of health care.
“Oregon is feeling what’s happening all over the country,” Stiller pointed out. “So we are glad that we’re joining together to say, ‘No, we are not going to have this in our state. We are not going to have this in our country. We want to keep our people safe, and we want to keep our people free.’”
Republican lawmakers are criticizing the “No Kings” movement, some even blaming it for the government shutdown. Organizers countered the event was announced in September, nearly a month before the shutdown began Oct. 1.
Events are also highlighting what organizers say is a crackdown on free speech by the Trump administration.
Jaime Contreras, executive vice president of Service Employees International Union Local 32BJ, another group supporting the protests, said the United States belongs to working people, not billionaires.
“We’re saying ‘yes’ to health care for all and child care for all, ‘yes’ to strong unions, ‘yes’ to immigrant justice, and ‘yes’ to a democracy that works for the people who actually make this country run every day,” Contreras outlined.
He emphasized the “No Kings” events are committed to nonviolence, noting they have been organized in partnership with local groups and supported by trained marshals and community safety teams.
