In a powerful display of unity, thousands of individuals converged on Route 66 in front of Flagstaff City Hall on Saturday. This demonstration was part of the No Kings protests, a nationwide movement critical of the Trump administration’s policies.
According to organizers, Flagstaff’s rally attracted nearly 3,000 participants, contributing to the 80 protests happening throughout Arizona.
The scene was vibrant as the crowd chanted slogans and waved placards at passing vehicles, expressing their concerns over the administration’s approach to immigration and the ongoing conflict with Iran.
Among the protestors was Tad Theimer, dressed in a military uniform reminiscent of the American Revolution. He shared a personal connection to the military through his family’s history in the Union Army and the World Wars but expressed dismay over the continuation of the war with Iran.
“We have no idea why we’re there. We don’t know how long we’re going to be there. It is destruction — it is cruelty. That is what this administration is good at doing: destroying. They’re very bad at building, and the only things they build tend to line the pockets of the rich and make the poor poorer,” stated Theimer.
Recent reports from local law enforcement in Flagstaff and Coconino County revealed that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement is exploring office space in Flagstaff. This news has led to heightened concerns among residents.
Dennis and Cathy Chavez, residents of Flagstaff, expressed their fears about the potential presence of federal immigration agents in their community.
“We’re not illegal immigrants, but we are brown people and they don’t care anymore. You know, they’ll take us and figure it out two months later. That’s wrong. That’s wrong,” Dennis Chavez remarked.
Cathy Chavez shared her husband’s anxiety, saying, “We didn’t think that ICE would be here, but now they’re announcing that they’re gonna be here, and it’s scary to even go to the store, you know? Are they gonna be there? Are they gonna pick us up?” She emphasized that the fear extends beyond immigrants and affects the entire community.
In addition to the Flagstaff protest, approximately 2,500 individuals demonstrated in Prescott Valley, and over 3,000 marched to the state Capitol in Phoenix. Nationwide, an estimated 8 million people participated in over 3,300 events spanning all 50 states and the District of Columbia.
Thousands gathered along Route 66 in front of Flagstaff City Hall as part of the nationwide No Kings protests Saturday.
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