LAS CRUCES, N.M. — A “No Kings” protest was held at Albert Johnson Park in downtown Las Cruces Saturday, Oct. 18. An estimated 3,000 local Las Cruces residents attended the event to protest President Donald Trump, along with current immigration issues, I.C.E., laws and bills brought forth by Trump’s administration.
The rally, part of a national day of coordinated “No Kings” events, featured local speakers, live music and community groups advocating for immigration reform, voter engagement and resistance to authoritarian political trends.
Organizers said the protest served as both a rebuke of Trump-era politics and a call to action for civic participation ahead of the 2026 elections.
“This is a protest rally that’s going on across the country,” said Kelly Wagner, a volunteer with Indivisible Las Cruces. “Our Las Cruces one is sponsored by Indivisible. They’re the ones getting the speakers, the music, all that good stuff, and making sure everything’s permitted and organized. Obviously, it’s to protest what’s going on in this country and the administration and the crazy, wacky stuff they’re doing.”
Indivisible Las Cruces is a grassroots volunteer network that grew out of the national Indivisible movement formed in 2016. According to the organization’s website, its mission is to “build and maintain a progressive community” by promoting civic education, supporting candidates who align with democratic values as well as resisting policies that threaten civil and human rights.
For many attendees, Saturday’s turnout represented a renewed sense of hope in a region where Trump won several nearby counties in 2016, 2020 and 2024.
“This means a lot,” said Sherry Reinhart, another member of Indivisible Las Cruces. “Trump won this district and to see the turnout today, I’ve teared up I don’t know how many times because it’s bringing me hope. Mobilizing is so important right now.”
Reinhart said organizers estimated the crowd was roughly double the size of the city’s first “No Kings” rally held in June 2025.
“We had about 1,500 then, but we estimate probably about 3,000 today,” Reinhart said. “To know that we possibly made that 3.5 percent — that’s what brings around change.”
The “3.5 percent rule,” a theory popularized by political scientist Erica Chenoweth, suggests that mobilizing 3.5 percent of a population in sustained, nonviolent protests can generate meaningful political or social change.
Wagner and Reinhart said the Las Cruces chapter has been working closely with other regional Indivisible groups, including members in El Paso, affectionately referred to as the “915,” after their area code. Together, the groups coordinate voter outreach, immigration advocacy, and candidate support at the local and state levels.
“I didn’t [join] the group until about April,” Reinhart said. “I was amazed at the meetings they hold, all the things they do to support the candidates that we want — school board, immigration and more. There are other groups that joined in today, including one through the university. It’s very hopeful to see some young people. The demographics are very important.”
Both women said the mix of generations at the rally reflected a shared concern for the future.
“We’re an aging community, but it’s great to see young people getting involved,” Reinhart said.
When asked what message they had for former Trump voters now reconsidering their support, Wagner said they are welcoming.
“We’re glad they’re regretting it,” Wagner said. “You can’t change the past, but that doesn’t mean they can’t come out and be supportive and switch over in their hearts and their minds. It doesn’t matter who they voted for.”
As the crowd waved signs and car horns blared in support, organizers said the message of the day was clear: community engagement and solidarity remain vital tools in protecting democracy.
“We’ve only seen the beginning,” Wagner said. “They’re halfway through their Project 2025 plans, and they want to implement the next 50 percent. That’s why we’re here — to make sure people are paying attention.”
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