About 400 San Marcos community members gathered at the Hays County Historic Courthouse on March 28 to protest in honor of “No Kings Day.”

No Kings Day is a nationwide protest in the U.S. to vocalize concerns regarding the current Trump administration. Participants protested against policies from the Trump administration, the current war in Iran and the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Mobilize Organize Vote Empower (MOVE) Texas, a statewide non-profit focused on young political power, and Step Up San Marcos, a mobilization group advocating for democratic principles threatened by the Trump administration, co-hosted the protest for the community to stand together in unity for the third No Kings Day protest, beginning at 1 p.m. They provided supplies like free protest signs, water and stickers for participants.

“There are always going to be people fighting for peace and fighting for change … and justice,” president of MOVE Texas, Vanessa Treviño said. “As long as we’re around, we’ll be fighting for Texas State and for people.”

MOVE Texas is a statewide non-profit organization that focuses on building political power among youth. The organization began at Texas State University and spread across Texas, reaching several different counties.

Treviño showed support with the rest of her team at the protest by providing signs and snacks and spreading awareness on voters’ rights.

Different ages from across the community showed up in support, ranging from little children to war veterans. Participants carried signs and even wore costumes while walking and chanting “No hate, no fear, immigrants are welcome here.”

“I’m 75 years old, and I’ve seen a lot in my life,” Air Force veteran and San Marcos resident Joe Rodriguez said. “I would’ve never thought in my life that it would be like this, and I’m concerned about my kids, my grandkids and great-grandkids.”

Step Up San Marcos required participants to sign waivers for a peaceful protest, and fire marshals were watching the surrounding area for protestors’ safety. 

As protestors chanted and rallied together, residents who drove past showed their support by honking, flashing their own signs and playing music that resonated with the cause. Amidst the positive honks were those who had opposing reactions, ranging from angry gestures to screaming foul language. 

Step Up San Marcos team member Joe Sokal said the anger thrown toward protesters is misplaced and should be directed to the real enemy, which is the current administration.

“I get your anger, your sense of alienation [and] economic anxiety,” Sokal said. “But the avatar you’ve picked to represent that is going to turn you into something generations will be ashamed of.”

Due to Step Up’s commitment to non-violence, the proper authorities were contacted to limit risks with the police, according to Sokal.

While noticing the diverse crowd the protest brought in, San Marcos resident Olivia Stout said she felt a sense of community surrounding her.  

“I love seeing San Marcos come together like this, it’s beautiful,” Stout said. “Looking at the different generations that are here, students and non-students, it’s nice to see that we can all come together under this umbrella of issues.”