Thousands protest Trump, ICE raids and military force in Atlanta 'No Kings' rallies

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“Thousands of Georgians protested in at least 15 cities, including Atlanta, against authoritarianism, immigrant raids, and the militarization of democracy. The protests, part of the national “No Kings” movement, coincided with the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary parade and former President Trump’s birthday. Organizers emphasized nonviolence and coordinated marshal teams to ensure peaceful demonstrations.

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Thousands gathered across metro Atlanta Saturday for a coordinated day of protest.

ATLANTA — Thousands of Georgians took to the streets Saturday as part of the national “No Kings” protest movement, rallying against authoritarianism, immigrant raids, and the militarization of democracy.

Protests unfolded across at least 15 Georgia cities, including Atlanta, Athens and Marietta, coinciding with the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary parade in Washington, D.C., and former President Donald Trump’s 79th birthday.

The Atlanta protests include:

• Liberty Plaza: Protesters gathered from 10 a.m. to noon for a “No Kings” community event, with U.S. Congressman Hank Johnson speaking out against “authoritarian excesses.”
• Buckhead/Brookhaven: Dozens of older adults participated in a bipartisan “Seniors for Democracy” rally near Peachtree Road NE and Club Drive, protesting federal budget cuts.
• Chamblee Tucker Road: A protest against deportations and hate crimes targeting the Hispanic community began at noon, led by the Party for Socialism and Liberation and local activists.
• Atlantic Station: Activists staged a symbolic “No Cake for False Kings” protest on the 17th Street NW bridge from 1 to 4 p.m., overlooking the city’s busiest highways.

"...Trump is a wannabe dictator. He's taking away our rights," one protester told 11Alive's Chase Houle. "He is militarizing this country, and he continues to cross red lines. And if we don't speak out now, when do we speak out?" 

Organizers confirmed that all four Atlanta-area protests drew turnout and remained peaceful as of Saturday afternoon. They emphasized nonviolence and coordinated marshal teams in advance to de-escalate potential conflicts.

" We think that, we both think that deep down, everybody is created equal," a young child said at the protest. "We know that people need to be treated the same and they should not be getting killed, hurt in regular places."

Organizers said they intentionally chose June 14, also known as Flag Day, to highlight what they describe as the “dangerous symbolism” of combining military celebrations with a president whose policies they oppose. The Liberty Plaza rally is part of a coordinated national day of action, with protests scheduled in more than 1,400 cities across the U.S.

“This administration is attempting to dismantle the Palestine solidarity movement as a first step in attacking all progressive causes, including environmental justice, reproductive justice, trans rights, and anti-racism work,” wrote Jewish Voice for Peace Atlanta in a statement posted to Instagram.

The Georgia ACLU, Indivisible Georgia and Jewish Voice for Peace Atlanta are among the co-sponsors of the local events. On social media, the group’s motto — “No thrones, no crowns, no kings” — has become a rallying cry for activists resisting what they describe as creeping authoritarianism.

What’s happening in metro Atlanta?

In Atlanta, city leaders said they’ve been briefed on the protests and expect peaceful gatherings but are prepared for large crowds.

“We respect your rights. We respect your need to be heard. But don’t come in looking for trouble because we’ll be ready,” said Brookhaven Mayor John Park, referencing vandalism after earlier protests this week.

Earlier this week, over 2,000 people gathered in Brookhaven to protest ICE raids that ramped up across metro Atlanta in recent days. Organizers said today’s demonstrations are a continuation of that movement, now expanding to reject militarism and express solidarity with Palestinians.

“We believe this is everyone’s fight,” said Natalie Villaan, an organizer for the Atlantic Station protest,  adding later, “We’re seeing that Trump deployed the National Guard, all these militarized police agencies in Los Angeles and trying to intimidate people out of using their basic rights to freedom of speech.”

The earliest protests begin around 10 a.m., with the last ending near 4 p.m., overlapping with Juneteenth celebrations also happening across the city. Organizers have advised attendees to remain peaceful, avoid confrontations and bring no weapons.

The group held de-escalation trainings and marshal coordination calls earlier in the week, and plan to host a recap Zoom call on Monday to discuss next steps in their campaign.

Who’s Organizing the Atlanta Protests?

• Indivisible Georgia, Jewish Voice for Peace Atlanta, and ACLU Georgia — key co-sponsors of the “No Kings” events
• Stand Up, Speak Out! — organizing the senior protest
• Party for Socialism and Liberation (PSL) — organizing the Chamblee Tucker Road protest against deportations
• U.S. Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) — scheduled to speak at Liberty Plaza at 11 a.m.

What protesters should know about Georgia law

As demonstrations unfold across metro Atlanta, protesters are being reminded to know their rights — and the risks.

In Georgia, unlawful assembly and rioting are both misdemeanor offenses. Police can make arrests if people refuse to leave after being ordered to disperse, or if a protest turns violent. Even encouraging others to riot could lead to charges.

Other actions that may lead to legal trouble include:

• Wearing a mask to conceal your identity (outside of medical or religious reasons)
• Blocking streets or sidewalks and refusing to move when asked

Lawmakers have proposed tougher penalties in recent years, including making rioting a felony, but those bills have not passed. Some Georgia universities, including Emory and UGA, have also updated campus protest policies in response to recent pro-Palestine demonstrations.“