People across Colorado demonstrate against Trump administration in ‘No Kings’ protests
Jun 14, 2025 | 7:08 pm ET
Description
Thousands of protesters gathered at the Colorado Capitol carrying anti-Trump signs during the Denver “No Kings” protest Saturday. (Delilah Brumer/Colorado Newsline)
Demonstrators gathered Saturday during more than 40 protests planned across Colorado to coincide with a military parade in Washington, D.C., and President Donald Trump’s birthday.
The Denver protest kicked off about noon near the Colorado Capitol. At about 12:15 p.m., a large group of marchers peacefully moved west on Colfax Avenue.
The Colorado demonstrations are part of a “nationwide day of defiance” by the organizers of the movement, dubbed “No Kings.” The national call for mass demonstrations is in response to the Trump administration’s mass deportation efforts, federal funding cuts, defiance of judges in immigration cases and the planned military parade, which could cost up to $45 million. The administration says the parade is to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the creation of the Continental Army, also known as Flag Day.
There has not been a military parade in the nation’s capital since 1991 to mark the end of the first Gulf War. Trump critics characterize Saturday’s parade as a theatrical display similar to ones hosted by authoritarian leaders abroad.
There were similar protests in Grand Junction, Montrose, Alamosa, Lamar and along the entire Front Range.
The Denver “No Kings” demonstration is 95-year-old Dolores Taylor’s first protest. Seeing other people her age at the protest gives her hope, she said.
“We’re here, coming out against the Trump administration, because this is not the American way,” she said.
Asked why he came to the Denver protest, Golden resident Mark Anderson said, “Just absolute frustration with what’s happening with our government.”
“I think our wonderful country is on the verge of becoming a dictatorship,” he added. “We have to do anything we can to put a stop to it.”
Emily Baxter, a 23-year-old Boulder resident, said a particular issue that prompted her to join the Denver protest is the Trump administration’s extreme immigration enforcement actions.
“I am very, very mad about all of the people being taken off of the street and those who are going to work and not coming home and the children who are losing their parents and losing their livelihood,” Baxter said.
The protest comes after multiple demonstrations in Denver against deportation efforts by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, including a march to an ICE detention center in Aurora on Monday and a large gathering at the Capitol on Tuesday evening. Law enforcement deployed smoke and pepper balls against a group of protesters that marched near the interchange of Broadway and Interstate 25 on Tuesday and made 18 arrests related to the demonstration.
Early Saturday, two Democratic state lawmakers and their spouses were attacked in targeting shootings, leaving Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband dead, according to Minnesota authorities.
The official website of the “No Kings” protest expresses a “commitment to nonviolent action.”
Tension across the country has escalated since last weekend when ICE agents undertook raids at restaurants and workplaces in Los Angeles and the surrounding area. That prompted protests in the city, where there were some clashes between demonstrators and law enforcement. Trump then sent Marines and California National Guard troops, against state and local leaders’ wishes, into L.A.
Groups including Indivisible Denver Action and the Colorado chapter of 50501 organized a fair alongside Saturday’s protest to host a food drive, music, games and showcase the work of various local activist groups.
Jackie Burt, a Denver resident, hosted a table in the park for passersby to write out answers to questions such as “What does our immigrant community need right now?” and “What in life brings you the most joy?” She calls her organization #ShowUpForGood.
“I’m calling this interactive art today,” she said. “I sensed that people really want to put their ideas into writing and be asked thoughtful questions. People are happy to be together, happy to hear music and happy to engage with each other.”
One question asked people to place pushpins on a scale that gauges whether they can envision world peace. The majority of people indicated they could.
The “No Kings” demonstration and fair is scheduled until 4 p.m. A separate protest, specifically against ICE, is scheduled for 4 p.m. at the Capitol.
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‘No Kings’ protest in Grand Junction draws thousands
Demonstrators joined a large “No Kings” protest against Trump administration policies in Grand Junction on Saturday as part of a nationwide movement of demonstrations.
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Images from the Denver protest
Last updated: 5:39 pm
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‘Just following orders’
Kaysen Rodriguez, 17, Karstyn Daley, 19, and Adam Lawrenz, 17, joined the “No Kings” protest in Grand Junction against Trump administration. Lawrez held a sign that said “German soldiers were also just following orders!!!”
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‘This is a movement’
Teri Wilke, Tony Belthem and Joaquin Picaso Bear Standing came to the Denver “No Kings”protest Saturday with Rise and Represent Powwow.
The organization focuses on advocating for missing and murdered indigenous women and children.
“We have a big Native community, and we wanted to show up, spread awareness and educate on our rights,” said Wilke, who is Chiricahua, Choctaw and German. “We are kind of forgotten all the time, but we’re here. This is a movement. We believe in the future.”
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At 95, first protest
At 95 years old, the Denver “No Kings” demonstration is Dolores Taylor’s first protest. Seeing other people her age at the protest gives her hope, she said.
“We’re here, coming out against the Trump administration, because this is not the American way,” she said.
Last updated: 1:07 pm
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Denver ‘No Kings’ protest kicks off
The Denver “No Kings” protest kicked off about noon near the Colorado Capitol. Shortly thereafter a large group of marchers peacefully moved west on Colfax Avenue.
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Demonstrators march in Grand Junction
Demonstrators who gathered in Grand Junction as part of a “No Kings” protest against the Trump administration marched near Canyon View Park on Saturday.
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Family in Grand Junction says ‘no tyrants’
A family came out to Canyon View Park in Grand Junction for a local “No Kings” protest against the Trump administration. They included parents Dave Conrad and Sharon Conrad and daughter Sierra Conrad, 19. Sierra wore a king costume. She joined the protest because the United States was founded on getting away from a tyrant king, she said.
Last updated: 12:03 pm
1 day ago
Grand Junction residents protest
A “No Kings” protest Saturday started at 10 a.m. in Grand Junction. Demonstrators gathered in Canyon View Park.
Denver, CO