Thousands of demonstrators — at least 6,500, organizers estimated — marched through New Orleans on Saturday as part of “No Kings Day,” a coordinated nationwide protest against authoritarianism and political overreach. 

While brass bands played, protestors carried handmade signs, chanted slogans, and voiced concern about threats to civil rights, the rule of law, and democratic norms. 

Because of the recent lawsuit over the longtime bubble machine in the French Quarter, some protestors also blew bubbles, as a sign of New Orleans-style rebellion.

The so-called day of defiance was a response to President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown and took place after widespread protests took over parts of Los Angeles, prompting Trump to send federal troops there without the assent of California’s governor.

Organizers framed the event as a rejection of that sort of imperialism, of billionaire-first politics, and the increasing militarization of public life.

As the rally concluded, speakers called on attendees to remain engaged beyond the day’s demonstration—by voting, organizing, and continuing to support vulnerable communities.

“This isn’t just about today,” said one volunteer. “It’s about the kind of country we want to be tomorrow.”

In New Orleans, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents made national headlines in April when they swiftly deported a Honduran mother along with her two-year-old American citizen daughter. In recent weeks, as local court watchers have kept a close eye on immigration courts trying to prevent arrest of those showing up for hearings, ICE agents made some high-profile workplace raids, including one at the Mirabeau Gardens worksite in Gentilly.

Organizers on Saturday said that over 1,800 protests took place nationwide, making it the largest single-day mobilization since Trump returned to office. The actions in cities across the country coincided with Trump’s $100 million military-style parade in Washington, D.C. for his 79th birthday.

New Orleans protesters gathered at Mandeville and Decatur Streets, winding through the French Quarter before concluding in Faubourg Marigny with a rally at Washington Square Park on Elysian Fields Avenue. The event remained peaceful and was one of 10 held across Louisiana, including in Alexandria, Baton Rouge, Covington, Leesville, Lafayette, Lake Charles, Monroe, Ruston, and Shreveport. 

U.S. Congressman Troy Carter (D-LA), who represents the Second Congressional District, spoke to The Lens, urging the public to defend democratic institutions.

“We don’t need kings. We should have a president—and a democracy that honors the Constitution, where people are free,” Carter said. “Today, the community came together to say we will not allow one person to trample over our rule of law.”

He emphasized the importance of what he called the “three C’s”: Congress, the Courts, and the Community.

Dusky Waters, musician and executive director of Black Americana Fest, delivered a message focused on generational accountability.

“One day, we will be the ancestors. And we get to decide right now what we’re leaving behind,” she said. “Because no one is illegal on stolen land.”

Waters urged attendees to reject systems of oppression and build a future rooted in joy and justice.  She later led the crowd in a rendition of “We Shall Overcome.”

Frank Southall, one of the protest organizers, emphasized unity across causes.

“Whether it’s housing, families, women’s rights, or immigrant rights—we have to be united,” he told The Lens. “That’s what matters most.”

Delaney Dryfoos contributed reporting and photos.