"No Kings" march in New York: On site at the protests against the policies of the Trump administration

"No Kings" March: A look at New York's protests against the Trump administration.

The inclement weather couldn't stop tens of thousands of New Yorkers from marching for miles through Manhattan to protest the Trump administration's immigration policies. Under the slogan "No Kings," the march was intended to emphasize the importance of democratic values ​​– in contrast to the increasingly absolutist tendencies of the US government. The date of June 14 was strategically chosen: Not only did the President celebrate his 79th birthday on that day, but a military parade celebrating the 250th anniversary of the US Army was also taking place in Washington.

"It's a good feeling to see like-minded people of all races and religions standing together against hate," said fashion designer Willy Chavarria on his way to the demonstration, just one of over 2,000 protests organized across the country. "We are a people of empathy and compassion. The world should see us."

Although the rain forced participants to wear mostly practical clothing like rain jackets and waterproof boots, some creatives showed off their costumes. Some well-known faces, such as singer Gracie Abrams, also made an appearance. She also supported the protests on Instagram, sharing a post with the slogan "Know Your Rights" and, I'm told, marched alongside actor Richard Kind in New York.

Although the march of demonstrators moved slowly, there was a focused energy: The crowd around me repeatedly chanted "This is what democracy looks like" and "No king, no" – accompanied by a marching band. Even though there were many humorous and funny signs, it became clear how important, significant, and serious this political moment is.

In Los Angeles, protests against the American immigration authority ICE (acronym for "Immigration and Customs Enforcement") have been going on for two weeks now; in a controversial move, the White House has even mobilized the US Marines (part of the American armed forces) and the National Guard.

Even though the situation in New York is less tense at the moment, people are also using their protests to support those affected locally – for example, 20-year-old Dylan from Venezuela, who goes to school in New York and was arrested by ICE officers in plain clothes a few days ago, immediately after a judge in Manhattan dismissed proceedings for his deportation.