‘No Kings’ rally draws thousands to Modesto in protest of Donald Trump
Thousands of protesters marched peacefully through Modesto in 88-degree heat on President Donald Trump’s birthday, joining a nationwide movement opposing his administration’s immigration policies.
The demonstration came in response to Trump’s military parade in Washington, D.C., and followed a wave of tense protests across the country over immigration raids and the deployment of military troops to Los Angeles.
In Modesto, a rally began at Tenth Street Plaza, organized by the Central Valley Black Indigenous People of Color Coalition. Protesters chanted in solidarity with immigrants, Palestinians, Iranians and the people of Los Angeles, demanding an end to Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations in the Central Valley and U.S. imperialism.
“Today we’re just here standing with our migrant families project and making sure that our communities know that ICE is not wanted here. We want to make sure that, you know folks here are standing peacefully and making sure that we get our voices heard,” said Juan Telles, one of the protesters.
A table at the plaza offered free water, drinks and information about local immigration attorneys.
Protesters chanted in both English and Spanish, shouting, “No ICE, no KKK, no fascist USA” and “The people united will never be divided.”
Bianca Lopez, one of the lead organizers and founder of the Valley Improvement Project, said police had confiscated their megaphones prior to the rally. In Modesto, a permit is required to use sound amplification equipment during demonstrations.
A few protesters were detained by Modesto police, at least one for allegedly wearing a mask with an intent to commit a crime. Lopez said they were expected to be cited and released. Police were not able confirm the number of arrests by the time the story was published.
In 2021, the Modesto Police Department expanded its list of banned items at protests, following the George Floyd protests, to include umbrellas and gas masks. At 11:55 a.m., the department posted Modesto Municipal Codes that are in effect and will be enforced on Facebook. This includes prohibiting people from carrying metal poles and glass bottles.
“We are all coming to this place to unite, to show solidarity against the many injustices that are going around, not just in our community, but across the nation and the world. Fascist communities are trying to take over ours. Fascist perspectives are trying to infiltrate our communities, and that’s why we are here today,” Lopez said.
As Lopez addressed the crowd, police officers parked nearby recited a list of municipal code violations. In response, she delivered a brief “know your rights” talk, reminding attendees not to engage with police officers.
She also mentioned the Valley Watch Network Rapid Response Team, which works to document and verify ICE activity. Lopez urged the crowd to write down the team’s hotline number: 559-206-0151.
Protesters also criticized U.S. Reps. Adam Gray and Josh Harder for voting in favor of a resolution that condemned antisemitism and expressed support for ICE and other law enforcement agencies. The two lawmakers were among 74 Democrats who backed the measure on Monday.
”They do not represent us, the working class people,” said Efren Diaz of CVBIPOCC, referring to Gray and Harder.
“There are no immigrants on stolen land,” said Eli Coleman, a member of the Tohono O’odham tribe of the Sonoran Desert. He criticized the two party system. “Left wing, right wing, same f...... bird.”
Speakers at the rally also criticized MPD for receiving the largest share of the city’s general fund and for its efforts to further militarize with the recent purchase of an armored vehicle.
Protesters then marched to Graceada Park, where the No Kings Protest — organized by Indivisible Stanislaus in collaboration with Stan Dems, Central Valley Democratic Club, Modesto Progressive Dems, Turlock Democratic Club, and the African American Democratic Caucus of Stanislaus County — was beginning.
Organizers urged participants to remain peaceful, avoid engaging with counter-protesters and follow city ordinances.They also encouraged attendees to register to vote.
Few counter-protesters were visible throughout the protest.
By the time the rally reached the park, the crowd had swelled to about 4,000, with the focus shifting toward broader anti-Trump messaging.
“We have no respect for kings in this country,” said Naramsen Goriel, ambassador of Indivisible Stanislaus.
Jim Peck, a Vietnam War veteran, also spoke, criticizing Trump’s plan to cut staff from the Department of Veterans Affairs.
“I’m pissed off about a draft dodging felon way back across the country, who was mistreating my fellow vets,” said Peck.
Modesto Councilmember Chris Ricci and Waterford Councilmember Lise Talbott also addressed the crowd.
“We knew that the America we have been fighting for so hard was going to move backwards, that the most vulnerable among us would be the first to be attacked, and that’s exactly what happened,” Ricci said.
Meanwhile, a Juneteenth celebration was being set up in the park, and a family birthday party was underway at the gazebo. Protesters paused to sing “Happy Birthday” to the family celebrating.
The march continued from Graceada Park to the Five Point intersection, with protesters stretching across the route, lining the streets, waving flags, chanting and cheering as cars passed by honking in support.
A few cars drove by waving Trump flags, but a majority supported the protesters.
Karen Zokoff Feist, one of the protesters, said her parents immigrated to the U.S. to escape communism after World War II. She joined the protest to support those risking their lives today, saying they deserve the same opportunity her parents once had.
“I am ashamed by people who are my age and who went through what I did, who are now in power and who are gutless,” Feist, 72, said.
This story was originally published June 14, 2025 at 5:31 PM.
