Demonstrators across Michigan have gathered multiple times to take part in the “No Kings” protests, a movement opposing President Donald Trump and what organizers describe as his attempts to “rule over America.”
The protests focused on resisting Trump’s policies during his presidency. With U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids becoming more frequently seen throughout predominantly latinx communities, masked individuals that did not have warrants were the primary reason for such protests. According to American Progress, these protests also demanded change in the face of the administration’s unprecedented abuses of powers and weaponization of the military against Democratic-led cities.
Several rallies were held in communities near Stockbridge, including Lansing, Jackson, Chelsea, and Ann Arbor. Although no events took place directly in Stockbridge, the town’s proximity to the demonstrations allowed local residents to participate and show support.
The most recent protest was held on October 18, 2025 and was large-scale across the country, including over 2,700 cities and towns across all 50 states. Setting a new record for a single-day U.S. demonstration, it was estimated that over 7 million people attended the peaceful protests. The previous one was on June 14. The June rally coincided with Trump’s birthday, a deliberate choice by organizers meant to draw attention away from celebrations and towards the growing dissenters. With this being the first large-scale protest, over 5 million people attended, showing a growing momentum for the resistance later on in October.
Media Specialist Debrielle Lopez was one of many in agreement to the peaceful protests.
“I know that there are problems in Stockbridge, and they deeply reflect everything that the No Kings protests are protesting against,” Lopez said. Change not only could be needed nationally, but also in small community governments such as Stockbridge themselves.
While no future protest dates have been set, members of the No Kings movement still sustain local activism through channeling enthusiasm into political activity, such as contacting elected representatives and connecting with local groups such as immigrants’ rights groups, and anti-ICE defense groups. Some are even taking action with “Know Your Rights” training, organizing and attending training sessions to help understand constitutional rights when dealing with law enforcement for non-protest encounters.
Government and Economics teacher Caitlin Brown recognizes the importance of these protests.
“Something as large scale as the No Kings protest across the country and some other countries as well, that doesn’t just pop up for no reason,” Brown said.
With as many people attending the protests as there is, change can be what the American people need in today’s time to stay represented across all ethnicities.
