Pasadenans Join Nationwide 'No Kings' Protest

Thousands march in Pasadena as part of nationwide demonstrations against Trump administration policies

Mar. 29, 2026 at 1:04pm

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Thousands of peaceful demonstrators marched through Pasadena on Saturday as part of the nationwide 'No Kings 3.0' protest event, joining demonstrations across the U.S. and around the world opposing the policies of the Donald Trump administration. The Pasadena march was led by members of the National Day Laborers Organizing Network and concluded with a rally at Centennial Plaza outside City Hall, featuring speeches from elected officials, clergy, and organizers calling for continued civic engagement and action.

Why it matters

The 'No Kings' protests represent a growing national movement opposing the Trump administration's policies on immigration, civil rights, and foreign policy. The large-scale coordinated demonstrations highlight the widespread public discontent and desire for change, particularly among younger and more progressive voters.

The details

Thousands of marchers gathered at the reflecting pool at Pasadena City College and moved west along Colorado Boulevard to City Hall, their signs and chants folding into a larger national moment. The march was led by members of the National Day Laborers Organizing Network, a familiar sight at local protest rallies and demonstrations. Organizers said Pasadena's event was one of at least a dozen across Southern California, with more than 50,000 people expected at a demonstration in Los Angeles. Nationwide, organizers estimated more than 3,000 demonstrations took place, though claims that this was the largest protest in U.S. history could not be independently verified.

  • The Pasadena march took place on Saturday, March 28, 2026.
  • The 'No Kings 3.0' protests were the third nationwide day of demonstrations against the Trump administration.

The players

National Day Laborers Organizing Network

A national organization that advocates for the rights of day laborers and immigrant workers, and has been a frequent organizer of local protest rallies and demonstrations.

Judy Chu

U.S. Representative for California's 27th congressional district, who spoke at the Pasadena rally after arriving directly from a late-night vote in Washington.

Sasha Renee Perez

California State Senator, who emphasized legislative efforts in Sacramento to increase oversight of immigration enforcement and protect legal observers.

Victor Gordo

Mayor of Pasadena, who recounted his childhood as the son of immigrant parents and called on the crowd to 'find our common humanity.'

Maddie Briggs

A co-organizer of the Pasadena march, who pressed the crowd on what actions they would take after the demonstration.

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What they’re saying

“Maybe some of you are familiar with the 3.5 percent tipping point concept. If you get 3.5 percent of the population of this country, we are going to win this battle... But to do that, we need your involvement.”

— Patrick Briggs, Organizer

“What we're doing here today... has to be more than a moment. It has to be the fuel for a movement.”

— Rev. Tim Rich, Clergy

“That is why I... got on a plane to be with all of you for the No Kings rally. I urge you to continue to protest and engage civically.”

— Judy Chu, U.S. Representative

“Power does not come from the top down. It comes from the bottom up.”

— Sasha Renee Perez, California State Senator

“Do we go home and... wait for things to keep getting worse? The answer lies in everyday action—voting, building community networks, or assisting neighbors reluctant to leave their homes.”

— Maddie Briggs, Co-organizer

What’s next

Organizers encouraged attendees to find a single, sustained way to stay engaged, whether through canvassing, attending local meetings, or supporting community groups, and to 'do that one thing persistently.' The Pasadena march was organized by San Gabriel Foothills Indivisible, with the American Civil Liberties Union and All Saints Episcopal Church as partners, and they plan to continue coordinating future protest events and civic engagement efforts.

The takeaway

The 'No Kings' protests in Pasadena and across the country demonstrate the growing grassroots opposition to the Trump administration's policies, particularly among younger and more progressive voters. The large-scale demonstrations highlight the desire for change and the need for sustained civic engagement and action beyond just protest marches, as organizers emphasized the importance of voting, community organizing, and supporting local advocacy groups.