Protesters in West Contra Costa took to the streets as part of a nationwide No Kings protest against the Trump administration on March 28, 2026.
Throughout the East Bay, protests in Richmond, Pinole, and El Sobrante had hundreds in attendance. Nationwide, an estimated 9 million attendees are reported to have attended, according to ABC10. The turnout this year, paired with 8 million attendees from last October and June’s No Kings protests, reflect a growing dissent from the Trump administration.
The movement, founded by the No Kings Coalition, was established in June 2025 as a nationwide coalition of peaceful protests against President Trump.
Immigration and the war in Iran were at the forefront of attendees’ concerns. Present at the event was an altar on the west corner of Appian Way and San Pablo Dam Road, honoring 43 people who were killed in ICE custody. Though it was only meant to last one day, it quickly became the centerpiece of the No Kings Day protest in El Sobrante.
Chris Matthias was someone who visited the altar. “I don’t know if you’ve seen it, of all the people who’ve been killed, who’ve been detained by ICE, and it’s just unacceptable what we’re seeing these thugs do in our streets.”
Since his inauguration on January 20, 2025, President Trump has signed multiple executive orders related to immigration. From an attempt to ban birth-right citizenship to strengthening border patrol and wall construction in the U.S. Mexican border, immigration has been at the forefront of Trump’s executive policies.
Other protesters had much to say on the Iran War, with attendee Jim Cropsy referring to it as “World War Epstein.” He believes the entire war is meant almost solely to be a distraction from both the Epstein files and more generalized corruption.
“All the corruption that’s led to this giant theft from the average American, transferring the wealth to the 1%. We have a president who has credibly been alleged to have helped to protect pedophiles, and help cover them up, and now is possibly even getting us involved in an unnecessary war to distract from the fact that he probably covered up pedophilia,” Cropsy said.
The war between the United States and Iran has now entered its fourth week with more than 1,200 Iranian civilians killed and 3,200,000 Iranians displaced, as well as 13 U.S. service members killed, according to NPR.
This event marked the third El Sobrante No Kings protest, spearheaded by organizer Nancy Burke.
“A group started planning several months ago with the start of four of the planning committee, gaining momentum at the time of the event. There were 30 more involved in putting this event together with everyone bringing different pieces, making this such a success.”
The Richmond event, held on Barrett Avenue close to Richmond City Hall, featured student speakers, Richmond city council members, folklorico dancers, and union representatives who spoke out against the administration. Car horns and cheers erupted as the ralliers shared their outrage at the Trump administration.
“We can’t stay silent. When our federal gov is using our tax dollars to blow up little girls in their school in Iran and cutting healthcare to thousands of families and food aid to thousands right here in Richmond, it’s a Richmond issue. When our federal government is kidnapping our neighbors and shooting people in the face in the street—violating the constitution—it’s a Richmond issue,” city councilmember Doria Robinson said.
Burke’s group, Indivisible West CoCo County will be hosting “May Day 2026: Workers Over Billionaires” on May 1, 2026 in El Sobrante where they will continue their advocacy.
