A wave of protests is set to sweep across Virginia this weekend, with back-to-back demonstrations planned in Richmond as part of a national response to the Trump administration’s escalating use of federal power—from immigration enforcement to military spectacle.
Ed. note: Read our recent editorial on the subject: The Point of No Return
Friday: Protesting Against ICE Terror and in Solidarity With the Workers of Los Angeles
On Friday, June 13, local organizers will gather at Abner Clay Park at 6 p.m. for an emergency rally against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations and in solidarity with workers protesting federal raids in Los Angeles. The action, led by grassroots groups and Richmond-based organizers, is calling for an immediate end to ICE raids and what they describe as a campaign of fear targeting immigrant families across the country.
“We condemn the violence ICE operations happening in Los Angeles and the surrounding areas,” said Gray Porter, a Richmond community organizer. “ICE has torn working families apart and spread fear throughout our communities while the DOJ violates our due process rights. We stand in solidarity with the workers of LA who oppose the racist, violent actions of this government. We will not remain silent.”
Friday’s protest will begin and end at Abner Clay Park in Jackson Ward and is expected to include a range of local organizations, including political party branches, student groups, and community organizers. For more information contact gray.svg@gmail.com
Saturday: “No Kings Day” as Nationwide Demonstrations Mount
The Friday rally sets the stage for a larger day of action on Saturday, June 14, as the 50501 Movement leads over 1,500 coordinated protests nationwide, timed to counter a high-profile military parade organized by the Trump administration in Washington, D.C.
In Richmond, 50501 Virginia will host a “No Kings Day” rally and march, beginning at 5 p.m. at Capitol Square, followed by a 6 p.m. march to Kanawha Plaza. The event is one of several major mobilizations across Virginia and is expected to draw a diverse coalition of speakers, mutual aid groups, and advocacy organizations.
Featured speakers include:
- State Senator Ghazala Hashmi, candidate for lieutenant governor
- Mary Bauer, Executive Director, ACLU of Virginia
- Wes Gobar, Good Governance Director, Clean Virginia
- David Hoover, of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church
- Sereen Hadid, VCU Students for Justice in Palestine
- A 50501 Virginia representative
Parade vs. Protest: A Tale of Two Americas
While thousands gather in the streets, President Trump will preside over a multimillion-dollar military parade in D.C., featuring over 6,600 troops, military vehicles, and aircraft flyovers, marking his 79th birthday and the Army’s 250th anniversary. Critics say the event blurs the line between patriotic tribute and political theater.
Veterans’ groups and civil liberties advocates have warned that the parade—paired with federal crackdowns in Los Angeles—marks a troubling expansion of executive power. Local leaders nationwide, including Richmond organizers, say the timing only heightens the urgency of dissent.
“The masses of people will not be intimidated even in the face of repression,” said Porter. “Now is the time to speak out and show up.”
Statewide Mobilization: Where Else is Virginia Protesting?
Virginia will be one of the most active states in the “No Kings Day” movement, with protests planned in cities and towns across the Commonwealth. Here’s where actions are confirmed:
- Virginia Beach – Town Center, 2–4 p.m.
- Chesapeake – 100 Volvo Pkwy., 10 a.m.–12 p.m.
- Norfolk – Jeff Robertson Park (1542 Armistead Bridge Rd.), 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
- Yorktown – Victory Monument (803 Main St.), 12–1:30 p.m.
- Williamsburg – 5201 Monticello Ave., 5–6:30 p.m.
- Mathews County – Fort Fun (9763 Buckley Hall Rd.), 11 a.m.–12 p.m.
- Petersburg – 35 E Bank St., 5–7 p.m.
- Lynchburg – 313 9th St., 1–3 p.m.
- Charlottesville – 2025 Bond St., 12–2 p.m.
- Fredericksburg – 1516 William St., 10 a.m.–12 p.m.
- Roanoke – Elmwood Park – Jefferson St., 12–1:30 p.m.
Organizers have emphasized the importance of activating local communities rather than focusing all attention on Washington, D.C.
The Richmond “No Kings Day” event is supported by:
- ACLU of Virginia
- Clean Virginia
- RVA Indivisible
- Richmond City Democratic Committee
- Metro Richmond Area Young Democrats
- Henrico, Hanover, and Chesterfield Democratic Committees
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