Protesters take over NYC's Times Square for ‘No Kings’ march

TIMES SQUARE, Manhattan (PIX11) – Thousands of “No Kings” protests were held across the U.S. on Saturday in defiance of the Trump administration and its policies.

Protesters, joined by local and state representatives, descended onto Times Square in Manhattan around 11 a.m., according to organizers. The first wave of “No Kings” protests was held over the summer, during President Donald Trump’s military parade in Washington, D.C.

Saturday’s protest focused on the fight against the government shutdown, intensifying immigration raids and the deployment of National Guard troops into cities.

“Today we join millions of Americans speaking out to reclaim and defend our freedoms from the madness of a wannabe king. In America, power belongs to The People, and We The People will hold the powerful accountable,” the New York Civil Liberties Union said in a statement to PIX11 News.

"A core principle behind all No Kings events is a commitment to nonviolent action. We expect all participants to seek to de-escalate any potential confrontation with those who disagree with our values and to act lawfully at these events. Weapons of any kind, including those legally permitted, should not be brought to events," organizers wrote on the "No Kings" protest event page.

Another “No Kings” march kicked off on Staten Island, outside of Rep. Nicole Malliotakis’ office, at 1 p.m. Protests were expected throughout all five boroughs on Saturday.

The NYPD said in a statement: "The No Kings protests are happening across the city today. The NYPD will be out to make sure everyone can peacefully and safely exercise their First Amendment right. As a reminder, there will be zero tolerance for any illegal activity or anyone who breaks the law."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.