'No Kings' protest: Anti-Trump rally held in downtown Phoenix on June 14

'No Kings' protests: Immigration on top of mind

Thousands of protesters showed up at several local sites, including at the state capitol. The head of the Arizona Republican Party also reacted to today's events. FOX 10's Nicole Krasean reports.

PHOENIX - Thousands made their voices heard outside the Arizona State Capitol on Saturday morning, protesting against President Donald Trump's policies, at the forefront of issues of immigration.

What they're saying:

"We are out here because we are against fascism, and as we learn in history, we see the same signs happening that we see in pre-war Germany, in pre-war Bosnia, all those places, and we don't want to see it happen in America," Lisa Mariso said.

Many held homemade signs with phrases like "We elected a president, not a king."

This protest in Phoenix is just one of more than 1,000 "No King" protests nationwide, with several others happening across the Valley.

'No Kings' protest held at AZ Capitol

The largest "No Kings" protest in the Valley was held on June 14 at the state Capitol. Demonstrators say they're exercising their right to protest against Donald Trump's policies and a military parade, happening on the president's birthday. FOX 10's Irene Snyder reports.

"I'm here to support people who want democracy," Barbara Hearn said. "We have a tyrant in office and there doesn't seem to be any answers other than showing up."

The protests were organized by 50501, which stands for 50 states, 50 protests, one movement. The protests are meant to counter today's celebrations in Washington, D.C. for Trump's birthday and the U.S. Army's 250th birthday.

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Many protesters say they're frustrated and believe the country is headed in the wrong direction.

"I am here because I do not believe in dictatorship and I think the only way to get rid of that is to come out in the street and demonstrate," said Brian Curry.

"It's just beyond belief we can't find justice, we can't find cures to these ills," said Hearn. "I don't think about it in words, but it's very scary, very scary out there."

Both sides need to ‘lower the temperature’

Arizona Republican Party Chairwoman Gina Swoboda says exercising free speech, like protesters did on Saturday at the capitol, is one thing. She says the concern lies in the escalation of protests into riots, and the targeting of officers just doing their jobs.

Arizona Republican chair responds to 'No Kings' protests

Trump supporters are digging in. They say immigration enforcement was an important part of his reelection. FOX 10's Nicole Krasean reports after speaking with the head of the Arizona Republican Party.

Dig deeper:

The "No Kings" theme was orchestrated by the 50501 Movement, a national movement made up of everyday Americans who stand for democracy and against what they call the authoritarian actions of the Trump administration.

Earlier protests organized by 50501 rallied against Trump and his former billionaire adviser Elon Musk, who led Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency to cut federal spending.