ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) – A wave of protests swept across the United States on a sunny day in Alaska’s largest city, with demonstrators taking to the streets to express their dissent on various pressing issues.
In Anchorage, protesters gathered on L St., united by a singular sentiment: a rejection of autocracy, encapsulated in the phrase, ‘There will be no kings in America.’
These protests coincided with the arrest of 42 individuals, flown in from across the country and detained by ICE as President Donald Trump intensifies his crackdown on illegal immigration.
Protesters voiced their concerns over these actions, demanding that the administration adhere to proper legal procedures.
Wesley Hales, a participant in the protests, highlighted the significance of immigrants to the local economy, stating, “The fact that people who are our friends and our neighbors, people that service us every day in our community, the people who take our orders at fast food restaurants, the people who clean the hotels that the tourists stay in, the people that sell the goods that the tourists wish to purchase, the reason that people are here, the reason that Alaska is currently economically viable is because of these individuals that are our friends, they are our neighbors.”
In contrast, Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security Kristi Noem defended the administration’s actions, suggesting that these crackdowns are necessary for the safety of everyday Americans.
In her statement, she noted that the efforts “are setting an example for what is happening across the country in other cities and putting together a model and a blueprint for how we can continue to work to make every single community great again and safe again for our kids and for our grandkids far into the future.”
Beyond domestic immigration concerns, protesters also expressed solidarity with international movements, particularly regarding the war in Gaza amidst rising tensions in the Middle East.
Protester Alex Elliott made a clear statement of support for Palestine amidst these conflicts, further demonstrating the diverse range of issues addressed during the day of action.
Both of Alaska’s senators took a firm stance in defense of Israel amid the escalating crisis, with Lisa Murkowski stating, “While I wish things had not come to this point, I stand firmly with Israel as Israel defends itself, and the rest of the world, from Iran’s deadly and destabilizing actions.”
Alaska Senator Dan Sullivan echoed this sentiment, highlighting the importance of Israel’s actions for global peace and security, asserting that any retaliation from Iran against American citizens or interests must carry significant consequences.
Protests also addressed domestic security concerns, including criticism aimed at Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth for using mobile app Signal for classified communications.
Protester Jeff Nelson articulated this worry, saying, “We’re all tired of the cronies being put in these positions of power, Hegseth and violating our rules of national security using text messages, Signal chats for war plans, endangering our soldiers. Ultimately, I just want to help stand together and move the country in the right direction.”
In response to scrutiny over these actions, Hegseth defended his position during a public hearing on Capitol Hill, asserting that the details surrounding classified operations should never be publicly disclosed.
The protest also highlighted issues surrounding healthcare, with demonstrators advocating for the protection of Medicaid, Medicare, and women’s reproductive rights—all areas facing potential cuts under President Trump’s proposed budget, referred to as the “Big, Beautiful Bill.”
Protest participant Carly spoke to the concerns regarding these cuts, stating, “There’s a real sense of community in Alaska and we’re here for each other and we want to see the best outcomes. This new budget bill that’s coming out, the cuts to Medicaid are going to have an extreme ripple effect within Alaska and having our communities deeply affected.”
The protest was notably characterized by its non-violent nature, with participants committed to ensuring their voices were heard loud and clear among the Anchorage community.
In contrast to the concerns expressed during the demonstration, Alaska Representative Nick Begich voiced his support for the controversial budget, stating that the One Big Beautiful Bill would pave the way for Alaska’s potential with promises of lower taxes and a commitment to resource development for all Americans while protecting vulnerable populations.
Through the collective efforts of concerned citizens, the Anchorage protest illustrated a complex interplay of local and global issues, reflecting the diverse concerns and convictions the community stands for as they call for transparency, justice, and a commitment to human rights.
With a powerful message resonating throughout the protest, communities continue to advocate that in America, there will be no kings.
image source from：https://www.alaskasnewssource.com/2025/06/14/keep-our-democracy-going-thousands-take-streets-anchorage-no-kings-protest/
