Thousands line the streets of downtown Lincoln for the No Kings protest

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — A nationwide protest hit the streets of Lincoln on Saturday as people from all over Nebraska held up signs, waved flags and made their voices heard.

“I am so proud and glad to see all of this,” one protester, Michele Labar said. “I came out in front of the capitol on President’s Day and there were about 35 of us that day, but this is great. This is great. This is what it’s all about.”

The No Kings movement is an effort to support democracy and speak out against what they call ‘the authoritarian’ actions of the Trump administration.

These demonstrations also come on the heels of protests that flared up across the country over immigration raids, including one earlier this week in Omaha.

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Sam, a protestor, said she is joining the fight for the community.

“We’re all citizens and the people of our community are being affected by what’s happening,” Sam said. “There are raids in Omaha and places taking people away from their families with no due process. We have federal workers here who have lost their jobs and because we are citizens of this country, we are all affected. It’s just as important for us to have our voices heard as anywhere else in the country.”

SEE ALSO: NOW Citizen Journalists share videos of No Kings protest in downtown Lincoln

Marti said this is her first time ever protesting, and she believes this is bigger than herself.

“I worry about the future for my children and my grandchildren,” Marti said. “I want them to be able to vote and be treated fairly. All people in our lives are valued.”