On April 28, the third organization of the No Kings Day protests took place, mainly centered on the criticisms of the U.S Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency’s utility and the ongoing war in Iran. An estimated eight million demonstrators marched in protest on city streets all over the U.S. and in over a dozen countries globally this past weekend, designating the “No Kings” protest as the largest single-day demonstration in U.S. history. In Cleveland, approximately 2,000 Ohio residents united for No Kings Day. Additionally, there were multiple events spanning across Northeast Ohio.

Among the common criticisms levied by the protestors, demands for accountability for those involved in the Epstein Files echoed through the city’s streets and could be observed on the many signs decorated by demonstrators. Others protested President Donald Trump’s violations of the Constitution.

Now, during the fifth week of the Iran War, 3,500 U.S. troops were deployed to Iran. The Trump administration contemplates the planning of a military seizure, an aim to capture nearly 1,000 pounds of uranium from Iran amidst the threats of ground operations on Iranian territory, according to the Wall Street Journal. Approximately 200 U.S. troops have been reportedly injured, and some more severely wounded or killed, in the pursuit of the war, according to The Guardian. The lives of more than 1,300 Iranians were taken, which was disclosed in an update provided by Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations.

It is clear that the Trump administration is more concerned with “foreign” affairs than the integrity of the U.S. population itself. ICE has been responsible for multiple fatal shootings and an ever-growing number of custodial deaths. A portion of the agency’s officers are currently enlisted to support TSA operations in various airports suffering from delayed wait times. Yet this seemingly convenient solution doesn’t seem like a place-holder for TSA employees, but rather a place-taker in the age of rigid immigration enforcement. The seventh week of the partial shutdown also marks the seventh week TSA employees remain unpaid, while ICE agents are cushioned by the $75 billion in supplemental funding the agency received from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) for standing idly at security exits and other non-screening roles inside airports.

Instead of reconstructing our government amid the shutdown, it seems that the Trump administration is more engaged with building the White House a shiny, new ballroom atop the chaos that persists. The $400 million project is to be built in place of the former East Wing. The ballroom is alleged to be funded by private donations from companies, though the potential use of taxpayer dollars has not been officially ruled out. Because of its source of funding, the president does not believe that congressional approval is required. However, a federal judge ordered the construction of the ballroom to halt until Congress approves the project.

It is pertinent to take a stand for our democratic rights. Though it may seem discouraging to many who view themselves as holding little authority over our political representatives and policies, voting grants the majority power in who makes our decisions. The No Kings Day demonstration is not just a reminder of who holds the power, but also a demonstration of community and hope. We the people don’t stand alone, but alongside our family, neighbors and friends. As the saying goes, it takes a village. One individual cannot represent us all; we should advocate for ourselves to raise awareness about what matters.