McAllen "No Kings" Protest draws hundreds

MCALLEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Across the country and the Rio Grande Valley, demonstrators gathered to take part in the “No Kings” movement, voicing their opposition to President Donald Trump’s immigration raids.

One of the largest gatherings in the Valley took place in McAllen near the federal courthouse, where protesters called for the president to change his stance on immigration and other issues.

Many protestors, such as Denisse Carreon, joined from surrounding cities such as Donna.

“People are not going to work, people are not building houses, people are not shopping and the rich’s money is going down, so they do need us out here," Carreon said.

Hundreds of people lined up around Bentsen Tower, voicing their frustration against President Donald Trump.

Mission resident Caleb Carcedo was one of the many people protesting during the "No Kings" demonstration.

“He is trying to be a dictator and rule with his own law and not giving anybody due process and just doing whatever he says and feels and that is not right," Carcedo said.

A main topic of the protest is the mass deportations and federal immigration raids the Trump administration has issued throughout the country.

“I do feel that we have been attacked and targeted and so it is important for me to be here and to show my support for the community as I do feel that we are being targeted right now," said Veronica Rodriguez from California.

Weslaco resident Araceli Mireles says she has seen firsthand how many students at schools are worried. Some students do not even want to apply for financial aid for college, fearing that they might have to report a parent who may not have legal status.

“I work for a school, and we see it. Immigration is stressful on the young, on the students, the ones who are trying to make their way into the world and its in their thoughts and affecting their future plans," Mireles said.

Young children, such as Luciano Cruz, were seen protesting and holding signs during the "No Kings" McAllen demonstration.

“Trump thinks that now that he is the president, but he is not our king," Cruz said.

Some participants, such as Donna resident Raul Martinez, stated this was their first time taking part in a protest.

“I want for my grandkids and great-grandkids to know that their abuelo stood for something," Martinez said.

No incidents were reported in the protest as security was tight with guardrails guarding the federal building. However, emotions were high.

“There is a lot of pent up frustration and it has been building up for a long time and it is unfair and unjust as all these injustices that are happening its frustrating and it really shakes your core as a human being and it makes you to feel so desperate to want to help people," said margarita Cavazos.

McAllen police officers and other law enforcement could be seen walking around Bentsen Tower carrying facemasks and even taking pictures. A helicopter flew over the area as the protest continued.

“They show you pictures of everything that is going wrong; yet, they don’t show you all the beauty here," said Albert Chavez. "Everybody is loving and having fun and there is no profanity or pushing anybody around. That’s what we are about. We need to speak our word without being assaulted, without being told what to say and what to do.”

Organizers made sure everybody stayed in place and no one was in the streets blocking traffic. Organizer Stacy Solis believes more has to be done to bring change.

“This protest is not to change his (Trump) mind," Solis said. "This protest is to change the minds and awaken the people of the valley that they need. They need to step up and make a difference.”

Protestors say they do not believe the president’s recent comments about immigration reform for farm workers and hotel staff.

“I think it is a strategy," Carreon said. "I also think that he knows this is affecting the U.S. We are the backbone of this country and without us it will go down, so that’s why he is doing.”

Until that change comes, Solis says, protests will continue.

“There's not a specific date in the plan right now, however, this will continue," Solis said. "This will continue.”