Protesters rally in 13 Nebraska cities as part of nationwide ‘No Kings’ movement

LINCOLN, Neb. (KOLN) – Demonstrators are gathering in nearly 2,000 locations across the U.S. on Saturday—including 13 cities in Nebraska—to protest policies enacted by President Donald Trump.

The coordinated demonstrations, called the “No Kings” protests, coincide with a military parade in Washington, D.C., marking the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army. The date also aligns with Flag Day and Trump’s 79th birthday.

Protests were planned in Nebraska cities including Lincoln, Omaha, Fremont, Columbus, Norfolk, Hastings, Grand Island, Kearney, North Platte, Ogallala, Alliance, Scottsbluff and Chadron.

As of 9:30 a.m., around 1,000 demonstrators lined both sides of O Street in downtown Lincoln. Cars traveling down O Street honked in support of the rally.

Organized by the 50501 Movement—representing 50 states, 50 protests, one movement—the demonstrations call for Trump to be “dethroned,” accusing him of behaving more like a monarch than a democratically elected leader.

The protests in Nebraska followed an ICE raid earlier in the week at Glenn Valley Foods in Omaha, where 76 workers were detained. Federal officials said the individuals were using Social Security numbers that were not theirs. The raid was part of Trump’s “Take Back America Task Force,” an initiative that aims to stop illegal immigration.

Gov. Jim Pillen issued an emergency proclamation activating the Nebraska National Guard on Friday, citing plans for widespread protesting at many cities across the country over the weekend.

“The proclamation is a precautionary measure in reaction to recent instances of civil unrest across the country,” the news release states.

The order also deploys additional law enforcement resources, including state patrol.

“Nebraska National Guard members and Nebraska State troopers will be prepared to assist in any civil disturbance, and in particular, to secure the College World Series and its surrounding areas,” Friday’s news release states. “Under normal conditions, National Guard activation can take 12 to 24 hours. This proclamation shortens that time to ensure troop resources are available and standing by, as needed.”

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