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On Oct. 18, millions of Americans marched in over 2,700 protests against the Trump administration. Some of those protestors were in Las Cruces’ Albert Johnson Park with flags, signs, and instruments. Cars drove by and honked in solidarity. The community had one central message: “No Thrones. No Crowns. No Kings.”
The city had another ‘No Kings’ protest on June 14, largely against President Donald Trump’s military parade in Washington, D.C. According to the No Kings website, the latest round of demonstrations was in response to President Trump’s “doubling down — sending militarized agents into our communities, silencing voters, and handing billionaires giveaways while families struggle.”
At Albert Johnson Park, local organizations tabled at the protest to talk about their resources, one of them being Indivisible Las Cruces. A member of the Indivisible Las Cruces Steering Committee, Teresa Valenzuela, talked about how their group has fought for migrant rights and protection in the city.
“It’s Witness at the Border and Indivisible Las Cruces, so we’re both working and looking at issues surrounding immigration,” Valenzuela said. “Not just here at the border, because it has impacted our whole country. So, we now have this whole network. Individual Las Cruces has networked with other groups throughout New Mexico to see what we can do, whether it’s legislatively or to protest.”
Another member of the Steering Committee, Phill Valdez, passed out leftover protest signs from a previous event to protestors who arrived without one. He said that contributing to events like the protest made him happy.
“I do it because it brings me joy, to know that I’m doing something to help protect our democracy as we know it here in this country,” Valdez said. “Because I want the administration to know that we are here, all throughout the country. No matter what size of the community you may be in, we are here.”
A group of artists called the Volunteers of America played live music during the event, led by musicians Charlotte Wright and Buddy Akin. They performed several protest songs, such as “For What It’s Worth” by Buffalo Springfield, “This Land Is Your Land” by Woody Guthrie, and “One Tin Soldier” by The Original Caste. Wright said that the presence of music in demonstrations is an important unifier.
“Music is the universal language. It brings people together in any situation,” Wright said.
Wright added her family’s military history inspired her to perform music as her way of defending democracy.
“My father wore the uniform for 22 years, and he swore an oath to the Constitution. Not the president; any president,” Wright said.
Former NM State Representative Bill McCamley was another protestor. He said that now is the time to stand up against the Trump administration and to voice national grievances.
“History shows us that when things are being done, like the current president is doing, it leads to a lot of bad outcomes,” McCamley said. “If we don’t stand up now and show that this is not the country that we want to live in, and this is not what makes us proud Americans, then we’ll be in a dangerous time. I’m so proud that everybody around here is standing up, non-violently, but forcefully, and making their voices heard. That is how this country is supposed to be.”
McCamley also said he applauded the local governments of Las Cruces and New Mexico for helping their communities in response to presidential policies. He pushed local lawmakers to keep fighting and to fight harder.
“They’re doing great. Keep it up,” McCamley said. “When you see the school board really fight back against stupid book bans. When you see the city council reaffirming the fact that everyone in this town, no matter their skin color, no matter what language they speak, that if you want to be here and work hard, you’re welcomed here. That’s great. When you see the state backfilling all the money for healthcare, public TV, radio, and education that Trump has cut. Keep it up. You are doing the right thing, and I am proud to be part of a community that is standing up and fighting for the right things and fighting for the regular people.”
J.C., a community member, who asked to remain anonymous for his safety, attended the previous ‘No Kings’ protest in Las Cruces in June. He held a sign that read “I DRINK MY HORCHATA WARM BECAUSE F*** ICE,” which J.C. reused at Saturday’s protest with an additional phrase on the back that read “NATIONAL GUARD DEEZ NUTS,” in response to recent national guard deployments to protests.
“This was the first one back in June for the first protest,” J.C. said. “Everyone loved it… so, I just really wanted to bring it to the next one. Plus, this was originally from the Stephen Colbert show before he got canceled. Then it just took on a new meaning. I do construction and carpentry, and so I have a little experience with painting and crafting. I just wanted to make people laugh and make it more fun to be out here. We need to make this a fun movement.”
One attendee, Andrew Martinez, arrived at the protest to discuss and share his conservative views with other community members. He said he appreciated the civility of the protesters during his conversations.
“I wanted to just have a conversation with people who, honestly, it’s kind of surprising how respectable people are having conversations today,” Martinez said. “I came to give my perspective and why I believe in what I believe. I have gotten a few names here and there. No cuss words, no hate, no violence. So, I respect that and I like that it’s peaceful.”
Like other protests around the U.S., Las Cruces’ demonstrations featured attendees in inflatable animal costumes. While people have attributed this trend to ease tensions at these rallies, community member Melissa Brewer wore her squid costume as a reminder of her old home and where the practice started.
“I fully do think it represents something, because I am originally from Portland, Oregon. That’s my hometown and that’s where it started, and so I am feeling it all right now,” Brewer said.
Brewer added that no matter how difficult the situation becomes for the country’s minority groups, everyone will eventually make it through this era of history.
“From what we’re seeing here, in the gatherings and the demonstrations, I have no doubt that we will get through this as a community and as a country,” Brewer said. “Whether it takes years or months or whatever. Here we will be strong, and we will get through, and we won’t let Trump get to us.”
