Thousands of protesters rallied across downtown Los Angeles in California on Saturday, joining a nationwide wave of "No Kings" protests against immigration raids and what organizers describe as a shift toward authoritarianism under U.S. President Donald Trump.
The protest was timed to coincide with Flag Day and Trump's 79th birthday, as he hosted a military-style parade in Washington, D.C. Demonstrators say they saw the parade as an affront to American values.
"I think it's absolutely wrong, but it is a position and decision, and probably some kind of strategy of Donald Trump to further his efforts to take full control of the United States by eventual military or martial law without a question. And he's going to start in Los Angeles. And so, we have to meet the resistance here as well as in other states without a question. That's very clear," said a protester.
For many, the protests were about standing up against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Trump's actions against immigrants in the country.
"Deploying the National Guard, the marines that has been something that, it's angered people, it's enraged people, it's brought them out here. And it's actually poor fuel on this fire. Most people reject the deployment of a military force to put down protests. And also, the National Guard are protecting ICE agents making arrests, and that's something that they're not authorized to do," he said.
Other protesters condemned the military deployment and the use of unmarked ICE agents arresting citizens, calling it unauthorized and un-American.
"Deploying the National Guard, the marines that has been something that it's angered people, it's enraged people, it's brought them out here. And it's actually poor fuel on this fire. Most people reject the deployment of a military force to put down protests. And also, the National Guard are protecting ICE agents, making arrests and that's something that they're not authorized to do," said a protester.
"We've been seeing our neighbors, our friends, our family getting taken from us by unnamed, unrecognizable, no badge officers that are just coming in and taking people. And it's wrong. I was a marine, and I can tell you there's not a time when we were trained to point guns at American citizens," another protester said.
'No Kings' protesters march in Los Angeles express disgust, anger at Trump policies
'No Kings' protesters march in Los Angeles express disgust, anger at Trump policies
Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Saturday China is willing to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and advance the China-Lesotho strategic partnership.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with Lesotho Prime Minister Sam Matekane in the capital of Lesotho.
During the meeting, Wang congratulated Lesotho on the 60th anniversary of its independence this year, and spoke highly of Lesotho government's efforts to prioritize economic development and steer the African country onto a path of sustainable growth. Since the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2024, the two sides have advanced cooperation under the 10 partnership action plans unveiled at the summit, successfully implementing a number of key projects to effectively promote Lesotho's development and revitalization, Wang said.
China stands ready to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and push for greater development of the China-Lesotho strategic partnership, he added.
Calling on the two sides to firmly support each other, Wang said that China will accelerate the implementation of its zero-tariff policy for African countries, including Lesotho, expand bilateral trade, investment and industrial cooperation, facilitate broader access of Lesotho's specialty products to the Chinese market, and continue to support Lesotho's national development.
China will continue to stand firmly with African countries, uphold justice for the Global South, including Lesotho, oppose unilateralism and acts of bullying, and work together to build a community with a shared future for humanity, Wang said.
On his part, Matekane said during the meeting that Lesotho cherishes its friendship with China and the strategic partnership between the two countries, and expressed gratitude for China's valuable support for the development of African countries, including Lesotho.
Lesotho firmly adheres to the one-China principle and resolutely supports China in safeguarding its core interests, he said, noting that his country stands ready to strengthen strategic mutual trust with China, expand people-to-people exchanges, jointly implement the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit, and deepen cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, manufacturing and energy.
Matekane stressed that China's zero-tariff policy for African products will inject new impetus into Lesotho's development. He also expressed Lesotho's willingness to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with China on multilateral platforms such as BRICS to jointly address global challenges.
On the same day, Wang also held talks with Lejone Mpotjoana, minister of foreign affairs and international relations of Lesotho.
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
