URBANA, IL (Chambana Today) — An estimated 5,000 people gathered Saturday in downtown Urbana for the “No Kings Day of Action,” a nationwide protest against what organizers describe as authoritarian actions by former President Donald Trump and his political allies.

The rally, organized by Champaign County Indivisible, featured speakers from numerous Central Illinois organizations and emphasized resistance to federal overreach, including the deployment of the National Guard and ICE in U.S. cities.

Among the organizations present were the ACLU of Illinois, Bend the Arc: Jewish Action, Champaign County Democrats, CURE (Champaign-Urbana Resistance Effort), and Young Democratic Socialists of America, among others.

University of Illinois students also played a key role in the demonstration. The event, peaceful and energetic, was the second of its kind in Urbana this year. Organizers expressed hope that the growing turnout signals a broader shift toward civic action.