JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — From the heart of downtown to the bustling Southside, residents of Jacksonville took to the streets on Saturday, aligning with a nationwide series of demonstrations called “No Kings Day.” This unified effort was designed to push back against authoritarianism and uphold democratic principles.

Gatherings of protesters took place outside the Duval County Courthouse and at the junction of Beach Boulevard and Hodges Boulevard. Participants held signs, voiced slogans, and demanded change.

“We all need to take a stand now,” declared Maryland Wells, one of the protesters. “I’d prefer to just stay home and relax like many others, but that’s no longer an option.”

Organizers say the movement is in direct opposition to the policies of President Donald Trump, with participants expressing concerns over immigration enforcement and women’s rights.

“Since the deportations, it’s the disregard for our civil liberties, over there in L.A. and around the nation,” said James Dawson, one of the demonstrators who joined the rally downtown.

Others shared a broader sense of frustration about the current political climate.

“We’re all tired. We’re all fed up,” Ethan Walls said. “We’re ready to band together and take our country back.”

Despite the passion behind the protests, demonstrators emphasized the importance of keeping their message peaceful.

“We’ve seen this playbook of authoritarian dictatorship before,” protester Sarah Osman said. “Our one tool is peaceful protest.”

In response to the demonstrations, Florida State Representative Dean Black said in a statement: “President Trump is no king — in fact, he is the opposite. He was elected to serve the American people, not rule over them. He listens to the voters and upholds the rule of law, whether it’s enforcing immigration policy or restoring order in Democrat-led cities plagued by violence. He doesn’t act above the law — he defends it. That’s not the behavior of a king, but of a president committed to ‘We the People.’”

First Coast News reached out to The White House for comment regarding the protests. As of Friday evening, we have not received a response.