Thousands joined the No Kings 3 protest in downtown San Antonio Saturday, denouncing the Trump administration. It was one of over 3,000 demonstrations nationwide in which an estimated 8 million people participated – making it the largest single day of protests in U.S. history.

The Trump administration’s immigration enforcement policies, disregard for the Constitution, attacks on free speech and now – the war in Iran – have drawn the ire of millions nationwide.

50501 San Antonio led the local organizing effort and has seen its coalition grow since the first two No Kings protests in June and October of 2025. Alex Svehla, head organizer of 50501 San Antonio, has noticed more groups joining the No Kings movement since its inception.

“We’re really noticing, not just with our volunteers, but also with orgs that are willing to partner with us, this is the most we’ve had since we started doing this,” Svehla said.

With over 20 partnering organizations present at Travis Park before the No Kings 3 march Saturday evening, Svehla believes the movement has built a community for the disenfranchised and hopes to spark an increase in activism.

“It’s not just about being angry, it’s about a sense of trying to find love with each other,” Svehla said. “The protest is really multi-faceted, and so hopefully we’re making more activists through these protests.”

One of the partnering organizations at No Kings 3 was Support and Defend, a San Antonio veterans organization committed to supporting and defending the Constitution. Retired U.S. Army Lt. Col. Fred Hofstetter – a member of Support and Defend – believes the No Kings protest is not about political affiliation, it’s about defending America.

“The same sort of people that support what we believe in, believe in a representative government, not run by a king,” Hofstetter said. “Vets vote, active duty soldiers vote, all Americans vote. It all belongs to us.”

The war in Iran, as well as military action in Venezuela, has raised concerns among veterans like Hofstetter. He says many veterans and active duty soldiers, sailors and airmen have expressed consternation about recent military activities. Hofstetter believes many active duty military personnel are cautious to speak out, but receptive to his organization’s mission.

“I joined the military almost 50 years ago. Very, very proud to do it and very, very happy to do it. I felt that doing something for my country was wonderful. Now I see some of those things being turned sideways. People sent into Venezuela, some of our cities, sending troops over to Iran now. They don’t need them over there. We shouldn’t be there,” Hofstetter said.

Similarly, retired U.S.M.C. Capt. Queta Rodriguez believes it is her duty to stand up and speak out.

“I think it’s really everyone’s obligation to rise up when we see our democracy under attack,” Rodriguez said.

Rodriguez, who attended No Kings 3 with her childhood friends, is also the Legislative Director for Community and Government Affairs for the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC). She attended the first two No Kings protests and feels encouraged by the increased turnout at each subsequent event.

“It’s really easy to get frustrated with what’s going on. It’s really easy to feel hopeless. But when you see people are rising up – even people who don’t typically do things like this – are coming out, that gives me hope that we can do what democracy is meant to do – and that’s self-correct,” Rodriguez said.

Rodriguez, who served 20 years in the United States Marine Corps, believes Americans must stand up and defend their civil liberties and ultimately, their freedom.

“We’ve gotten to where we are today as a country – women having the right to vote, minorities having rights – because people have stood up. You have to stand up, even when it’s uncomfortable.”

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