Organizers of the No Kings rallies and marches that took place Saturday say almost 8 million people, including Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders, expressed their anger and frustration at Trump and at the same time celebrated the growing number of like-minded Americans. Organizers of the events say about 8 million people joined the No Kings movement.
The flagship rally in St. Paul, Minnesota, became a focal point for the national movement, drawing over 100,000 participants to the State Capitol. Prominent Asian American leaders and Minnesota lawmakers joined the list of speakers expressing their concerns during the event.
- St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her: Mayor Her, who took office in early 2026 following her November 2025 election victory, emphasized the importance of community presence. She stated, "As your mayor, I will always show up... how we show up for people—in every corner of our city—matters". During debates, she has also criticized "performative" political stands that use taxpayer dollars without "moving the needle" on critical issues like gun control.
- US Representative Ilhan Omar: Speaking at the St. Paul rally, Congressmember Omar told the crowd, "We do not cower to bullies," as she addressed the administration's "authoritarian" policies.
Here is the view from the edge in key local hubs:
San Francisco Bay Area: "Human Banners" and rapid response
San Francisco Bay Area: "Human Banners" and rapid response
The Bay Area was a focal point for the movement, with more than 60 events across the region.
Market Street: Organizers estimate 100,000 joined the march from the Bay to City Hall down the city's main street, Market Street to listen to speakers.
Ocean Beach: Demonstrators in San Francisco formed a massive "human banner" to protest the administration's policies.
San Jose: Thousands gathered downtown to speak out against intensified immigration raids. Organizers highlighted that for many Asian American families, the threat of ICE arrests at courts and check-ins has reached a tipping point, turning quiet concern into a public demand for safety.
Community Message: Leaders emphasized that the AAPI community cannot "sit on the sidelines" while federal agents invade neighborhoods.
Los Angeles & San Gabriel Valley: Protecting the neighborhood
In Southern California, the protest energy was deeply rooted in local immigrant neighborhoods.
SGV Hubs: Rallies swept through Monterey Park, Alhambra, and Pasadena, areas with high AAPI populations.
Mandarin-Language Support: Local organizers noted that the "unbearable" nature of recent federal raids has forced a shift toward communal defense, including the creation of new Mandarin-language family support networks to document enforcement activities.
Long Beach: A major gathering at Bixby Park saw residents protesting the deployment of National Guard troops and the use of militarized enforcement in their streets.
New York City: Times Square and solidarity
In NYC, thousands of demonstrators from across the Tri-State area packed into Times Square and major intersections. [9, 10]
Economic & Social Issues: Protesters linked the "No Kings" message to broader concerns, including the rising cost of living and the ongoing war in Iran.
AAPI Advocacy: National groups like Stop AAPI Hate were visible partners, arguing that the administration’s "mass deportation agenda" is an attack on the civil rights of all Americans.
San Diego: Standing Against Detention
Further south, an estimated 40,000 people met in downtown San Diego, with additional rallies in Escondido and Carlsbad.
Focus on Detention: Many AAPI participants joined to protest the treatment of detainees at the Otay Mesa Detention Center and the sharp increase in local ICE arrests.
AANHPI voices from the "No Kings" Movement
In other parts of the country, AAPI officials took part in the demonstrations. Asian American demonstrators joined millions to protest the war in Iran and the rising cost of living. Some activists emphasized that the "No Kings" movement is a necessary step toward defending their neighbors and ensuring an America where all individuals have the opportunity to prosper.
Boston's Mayor Michelle Wu : “In this city of champions, in this city of immigrants and workers, in this hub of the universe and cradle of liberty, for the last 250 years and counting, in Boston, every day is no king’s day,” Wu told the demonstration attended by about 200,000.
New Jersey US Sen. AndyKim: The Korean American introduced his mother to the crowd at a No Kings event in Camden, N.J. “I wanted her to come here because I wanted her to see what it is that we’re trying to fight for,” he said.
US Sen. Tammy Duckworth of Illinois stated: “There are no kings in America. Only gilded men we can topple again and again.”
Texas state Rep. Gene Wu: The state lawmaker was one of the organizers of the No Kings event in Austin, the state capitol. The event reflected a broader sense of frustration — not just with immigration raids, but also with issues like Medicaid cuts and the state's proposed THC ban. "We are happy to support Texans who have simply had enough," Wu said.
View from the Edge
While millions of people expressed their anger and frustration against Trump and hundreds of soldiers and sailors have been injured in an undeclared and unapproved ward in Iran, he spent the day at his golf course in Florida.Since returning to office on January 20, 2025, President Trump has maintained a frequent golfing schedule:
Days Golfed: As of March 28, 2026, Trump has visited golf clubs 101 days out of his first 433 days in office.
Percentage of Term: This represents approximately 23.3% of his presidency spent at golf properties.
Total Cost to Taxpayers: Estimates indicate these outings have cost American taxpayers at least $110.6 million since his 2025 inauguration.
Cost Breakdown: Each trip to Mar-a-Lago is estimated to cost roughly $3.4 million in travel and security expenses.
And like the Epstein Files and his college grades, Trump's golf score remains undisclosed.
EDITOR'S NOTE: For additional commentary, news, views and chismis from an AANHPI perspective, follow me on Threads, on X, BlueSky or at the blog Views From the Edge.
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