Protesters on the sidewalk hold signs and receive honks of support from cars passing by.
By TOMOKO NAGAI
RAFU STAFF WRITER
On the afternoon of June 14, an estimated 12,000 to 15,000 people gathered at La Palma Park in Anaheim for the “No Kings” rally.
The event, organized by civic groups including OC Indivisible Coalition, Women’s March OC, and 50501 OC, featured speeches and musical performances calling for immigrant rights and social justice. Families and young people filled the park, while booths run by advocacy organizations displayed banners demanding justice and equality.
Crowds lined the sidewalks, holding signs high as passing cars honked in support. Under clear skies, participants lounged on the grass with homemade placards, exchanged friendly gestures over witty slogans, and chatted in a relaxed, almost festival-like atmosphere.
Organizers emphasized public transportation and maintained a well-coordinated operation, deploying medical staff and distributing water. The rally remained peaceful overall, though minor disturbances broke out around 9:30 p.m. when a small group threw rocks, prompting police intervention. No major clashes or injuries were reported, and most attendees dispersed quickly.
Recent reports have described ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) conducting raids at workplaces and religious sites in Los Angeles and Orange counties, fueling anxiety among immigrant communities. Civic leaders repeatedly stress that nonviolent protest remains the most effective path toward systemic reform — a principle that was clearly reflected in the day’s gathering.
The signs carried by participants revealed a wide range of emotions and perspectives. Some read, “Our parents sacrificed to raise us — now it’s our turn to fight for them” or “They were not criminals, they were dreamers!” Others read, “When injustice becomes law, resistance becomes duty” and “Even the introverts are here.”