Approximately 700 demonstrators gathered in Detroit Lakes on October 7, 2023, to protest the actions of the Trump administration during the second wave of “No Kings” protests. The demonstration at Veteran’s Memorial Park was part of a larger movement that saw over 2,500 protests nationwide and internationally, including in countries such as Mexico and those across Europe.
As music played and colorful costumes adorned the crowd, protest signs and American flags lined Highway 10, with many passing cars honking in support. Participants expressed a range of concerns, from democracy and civil rights to education and healthcare.
Avis Kellerhuis, a long-time resident of Detroit Lakes, emphasized her dedication to preserving constitutional rights. “I have children that depend on it,” she stated while holding a sign. Similarly, Laura Koening found joy in joining her family and standing in solidarity with others. “It’s fun to be out with all these people who care about democracy,” she remarked.
Some protesters wore inflatable suits as a nod to similar demonstrations against the deployment of federal forces in Portland, Oregon. Lisa Anselmin, participating in the rally, expressed her commitment to ensuring equal rights and due process. “I love my country, and when you love your country, you want it to be the best it can be,” she explained.
Erin Azevedo, visiting from the Twin Cities, attended the protest alongside family, including her three young children. Holding signs that conveyed messages of love, she voiced her discontent with the current administration. “I think that the things that they’re doing are absolutely horrible…especially the cuts to education,” she said, underscoring her concern for special education services.
The sentiments of discontent also resonated with Mike Nustad, a Vietnam veteran who volunteered with a local group to maintain order at the event. He criticized claims from national Republican leaders suggesting that demonstrators “hate America.” “I love America, and so do all these people,” he asserted, adding his concerns about changes to military regulations.
Zach Foltz, another attendee from Detroit Lakes, voiced his opposition to the direction of the country. “There are people that are against what’s currently happening — the corruption, the shift towards autocracy,” he said. Foltz specifically criticized the Supreme Court’s recent decisions that he felt undermined established legal precedents.
Attendees like Kennon Moen expressed concern over the erosion of unwritten democratic norms, while Kim Meyer wore a jacket emblazoned with “I Love America” to counteract narratives that characterized the protests negatively. “We don’t take that lightly,” she emphasized, referring to the sacrifices made by previous generations for democratic ideals.
The rally also included many voices raising concerns about education, healthcare, and immigration. Leslie Zeek, a pastor at Detroit Lakes United Methodist Church, highlighted the rising costs of healthcare and the implications of immigration policies under the Trump administration. “We worry about the safety of our immigrant family members,” she said.
The turnout at this protest exceeded previous gatherings, with local organizers thrilled by the engagement. Kathy Coyle, chair of the Detroit Lakes Area Indivisible group, remarked on the impressive turnout, noting that the previous protest in June attracted around 400 participants. “I was afraid everybody had gone to Arizona or Florida, but instead they’re here,” she said, visibly moved by the community response.
As the protest came to a close, demonstrators moved to City Park for a picnic, enjoying food, music, and games. Coyle underscored the importance of these gatherings, stating, “Democracy’s future is fragile in America — it’s fragile right now.” Weekly protests are scheduled to continue every Saturday at 11 a.m. at Veterans Memorial Park, located at the intersection of Highway 10 and Washington Avenue in Detroit Lakes.
