TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — More than 1,000 people marched around the Old Florida Capitol Saturday as part of a coordinated national “No Kings” protest movement pushing back against the Trump administration, calling out Immigration and Customs Enforcement and demanding policy change. 

The Tallahassee demonstration was one of hundreds held across the country, part of a growing wave of grassroots resistance that organizers say is gaining momentum despite what they describe as limited mainstream media attention. Organizers said the rally was intended to send a clear message to elected officials that constituents are watching. 

Delilah Pierre, president of TCAC, said the energy from the crowd was unlike anything she had anticipated. 

“People were on fire. There were thousands of people there, so many people were interested, listening to the speeches, engaged,” Pierre said. 

Among the crowd were Jim and Mary McShane, both former elected officials, who said they came to add their voices to a movement they believe is not receiving adequate coverage from mainstream outlets. Jim McShane, a Vietnam-era veteran, drew parallels between the current political climate and the anti-war protests of the early 1970s. 

The “No Kings” protests have drawn participants across the country, united largely by concerns over executive power and immigration enforcement. 

“Our goal is really to come out here, get more people involved and keep people aware, because what our media is telling us right now is not all of what’s really going on,” he said. 

Sadie Carlson, a safety marshal for the Tallahassee Immigrant Rights Alliance, was arrested near the end of the demonstration on misdemeanor charges of resisting an officer without violence and obstructing a highway, according to the Tallahassee Police Department. She said she had made a point to introduce herself to law enforcement before the rally even began. 

“I introduced myself to them before the rally even started. I’m the head safety marshal. Talk to me if you need anything,” Carlson said. She said the arrest came after she stepped into Jefferson Street, which she said was closed for Springtime Tallahassee. 

“Eventually, off of Jefferson Street, was when they arrested me for going into the street. The road was closed for Springtime,” she said. 

When Sadie arrived at the jail, people were already lined up to free her. The time spent in jail and getting there took a total of 4 hours. She said it’s because of the community that she was able to be released so soon. 

“People showed up before my car, which was transporting me, got there, I think it really shows the power of if we all stick together, like they can’t get to us,” Carlson said.