VIDEO: Nationwide anti-Trump rallies challenge deportation, firing policies

Thousands of protesters rallied in Washington and other cities across the US on Saturday, voicing opposition to President Donald Trump's policies on deportations, government firings, and the wars in Gaza and Ukraine.

Outside the White House, protesters carried banners reading "Workers should have the power," "No kingship," "Stop arming Israel," and "Due process," as media footage showed.

Many demonstrators chanted in support of migrants deported by the Trump administration or those at risk of deportation, while others expressed solidarity with federal employees fired due to the administration's restructuring efforts.

“As Trump and his administration mobilize the use of the US deportation machine, we are going to organize networks and systems of resistance to defend our neighbors,” one protester said at Lafayette Square near the White House.

Some protesters waved Palestinian flags and wore keffiyeh scarves, chanting "Free Palestine" in solidarity with Palestinians killed in 'Israel’s' war in Gaza. At the same time, others showed support for Ukraine, urging the US government to take a stronger stance against Russian President Vladimir Putin’s invasion.

Since taking office in January, Trump, alongside his ally Elon Musk, has significantly reduced the size of the federal government, firing over 200,000 workers and attempting to dismantle key agencies. Additionally, his administration has detained numerous foreign students and threatened to cut funding to universities over diversity, equity, inclusion programs, climate initiatives, and pro-Palestinian protests—policies widely condemned by rights groups.

Protesters near the Washington Monument carried banners reading “Hate never made any nation great” and “Equal rights for all does not mean less rights for you.” Demonstrations also took place in New York City, Chicago, and dozens of other cities across the nation. This marked the second consecutive day of nationwide protests since Trump’s inauguration.

Rallies were held in various locations, from the steps of the New York Public Library to a Massachusetts commemoration of the American Revolutionary War’s start. Many participants said they were protesting what they saw as violations of civil rights and the US Constitution, including mass deportations and firings of government workers.

In Manhattan, protesters chanted “No fear, no hate, no ICE in our state,” referring to US Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Thomas Bassford, an 80-year-old retiree from Maine, said he traveled to Massachusetts to witness the reenactment of the Battles of Lexington and Concord. “This is a very perilous time in America for liberty,” he said, reflecting on the importance of standing up for freedom.

Other protests were planned outside Tesla dealerships, targeting Elon Musk for his role in downsizing the federal government. Meanwhile, community-service events, such as food drives and volunteering at local shelters, aimed to continue the spirit of resistance against what protesters called “tyranny.”

In Concord, Massachusetts, George Bryant held a sign reading, “Trump fascist regime must go now!” expressing concern that the Trump administration is creating a “police state.” The administration has, among other actions, moved to shut down Social Security Administration field offices, cut funding for government health programs, and roll back protections for transgender individuals.

As nationwide protests continue, many Americans remain determined to fight back against what they see as threats to the nation’s democratic ideals under President Trump’s leadership.