RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- Thousands of protesters gathered in the streets of the Triangle and across North Carolina on Saturday to participate in what organizers called "No Kings Day" protests.
Groups were scheduled to hold more than 1,500 "No Kings Day" coordinated events across the country on Saturday to protest the Trump administration and to counter the military parade in Washington, D.C., marking the U.S. Army's 250th birthday.
Recently, the city of Raleigh has already seen a large wave of protests against a crackdown on illegal immigration in downtown. The police department told ABC11 that it was prepared and wants those who participate to be safe.
"That's always our goal is to make sure individuals can exercise their right peacefully as well as being safe," Boyce said. "I have very confident and capable personnel within the Raleigh Police Department that can de-escalate situations before they become bigger problems."
Below, a look at some of the protest events from across the Triangle
Raleigh
Two scheduled events were held in Raleigh, one on the sidewalks of Capital Boulevard between Old Wake Forest Road and Oak Forrest Drive and the other at the North Carolina State Capitol on East. Edenton Street.
On Saturday morning in Capital Boulevard, thousands lined both sides of the road armed with signs taking aim at the Trump administration's actions on topics such as immigration policy and federal funding decisions.
These rallies took place days after a series of ICE raids in Los Angeles that sparked protests across the city that turned violent in numerous cases. In stark contrast to California, Saturday's rallies across the Triangle were calm, orderly, and peaceful. That was a point stressed by national organizers in the lead-up to the event.
Rallygoers shared their motivations for coming out with ABC11.
"The ICE raids that are happening in Los Angeles have been really detrimental to our community," said Lizeth Olivera, who was at the Capital Boulevard protest site. "We live in fear every day that something might happen to the people that we love."
Linda Watson was also at that protest.
"I'm deeply concerned about the safety of democracy and the waste of tax dollars in Washington. D.C. for that ridiculous parade," Watson said. "This is America. We don't have kings here."
The No Kings rallies took place ahead of Saturday night's celebration of the US Army's 250th birthday in Washington, D.C., and coincidentally on President Trump's birthday.
Durham
Thousands of people gathered in downtown Durham.
Tania Romero was one of those at the rally. She said she was motivated by protesting the policies of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) but said this is even bigger than just one issue..
Thousands in Durham held a peaceful protest against Trump administration policies.
"Um, really, just because it's affecting everyone, honestly, at this point," Romero said. "Not just immigrants, but regular citizens here. Lots of children that are being affected, and just everyone, honestly.
City leaders said they were proud that things ran smoothly and peacefully while also giving people room to express themselves.
Chopper11 is over the 'No Kings Day' protest in downtown Durham
"We pride ourselves on being a city where folk are welcome and they're safe," said Durham Mayor Pro Tempore Mark-Anthony Middleton. "That means even people we don't disagree, we don't agree with all the time. So even though we may disagree with you, you have a right to exist ... in safely and peacefully."
There was one report of vandalism. ABC11 confirmed that the Durham Vietnam Memorial was defaced. Officials have not confirmed whether the vandalism was connected to the protests..
Chapel Hill
Large crowds were seen at Peace and Justice Plaza on E Franklin St.
Peter Metzner was one of many attending the rally.
"Well, to have our voices heard, to have people who are in power recognize this is not right, this is not good. We need to get back to our core, what our, what this country is all about," Metzer said.
Some said they weren't just happy to voice their opinions; it was a chance to join with others who felt the same way.
"It was amazing, it brought tears to my eyes how much unity and love was here, it was amazing," said Brandi Collins.
Cary
Morrisville
Demonstrators started off early, where people lined up along Davis Drive at intersections. Several hundred people showed up there, and cars that drove by often honked to show their support.
This is among the many protests scheduled across the state.
"My family and I came here 70 years ago. And the minute I was able to become a citizen, I did. At age 17, I took out the paperwork. I was all rah, rah, rah, rah. And what has been happening with our current administration is outrageous," said Marlies Heitmann. "They make promises. Don't keep them."
Fayetteville
Demonstrators gathered in Fayetteville at Cross Creek Linear Park to rally and hear speeches.
Demonstrators gathered in Fayetteville at Cross Creek Linear Park.
Oxford
Crowds gathered at Orange Street Community Center and at Granville County Democratic Party headquarters.
Sanford
A "No King's Rally" was held in front of the old courthouse on S. Horner Boulevard in Sanford.
In Lee County, a "No King's" rally sponsored by the Lee County Democratic Party was held on the sidewalk in front of the old courthouse on S. Horner Boulevard in Sanford.
Jacksonville
In Onslow County, Democratic Women of Onslow County organized an orderly rally where people came out to make their voices heard.
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