Tens of thousands of people took to the streets across San Diego County Saturday morning, joining demonstrations in more than 3,000 communities nationwide as part of the third "No Kings" day of nonviolent action.
The largest local gathering assembled at Waterfront Park in downtown San Diego, next to the County Administration Center at 1600 Pacific Highway, beginning at 10 a.m. Marchers proceeded south along Harbor Drive past Ruocco Park and returned north on Pacific Highway. Speakers included San Diego County Supervisors Terra Lawson-Remer and Paloma Aguirre, as well as labor leaders and community organizers.
In East County, rallies were held in La Mesa and El Cajon, with demonstrators gathering at La Mesa Boulevard and University Avenue, visible proof that the movement extends well beyond downtown San Diego. Additional events were also scheduled across the region including Ramona, Fallbrook, and Borrego Springs — 22 sites in total across the county.
Organizers cited concern over what they called escalating federal overreach, including immigration enforcement actions, reductions to healthcare and school nutrition programs, the ongoing U.S. military conflict in Iran, and conditions at the Otay Mesa Detention Center. "San Diego residents are mobilizing over concerns about immigration enforcement, cuts to social programs and the administration's use of executive authority," organizers said in a news release.
San Diego County Sheriff's officials and La Mesa police acknowledged the planned demonstrations in advance, affirming support for peaceful assembly while stating that violence or property destruction would not be tolerated. No significant incidents were reported as of early afternoon.
