ORLANDO, Fla. – Thousands swarmed downtown Orlando Saturday as part of a nationwide day of defiance against President Donald Trump.

The “No Kings” protest spanned several hours at City Hall Plaza and spilled into the streets, which forced a shutdown of Orange Avenue.

Amy Blakely lives in Orlando and said it was important to speak out against policies from the Trump administration.

[See more video below from the protest in downtown Orlando]

“Just people to use their voices. Think for themselves and understand that we have rights and we can protect our rights and other people’s rights,” Blakely said.

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While the protestors gathered to speak out on a number of issues, immigration was one of the most prevalent.

“The crackdown on immigration. The loss of due process is terribly important,” Jefferson Crutchfield said. “Without due process, we have an authoritarian government and that’s just not the way America should be.”

Democrat State Representative Anna Eskamani attended the rally and said she was inspired by the turnout.

“They care about public education. They care about the diversity. They care about the funding for programs like Medicaid and food stamps, and so it’s just really inspirational to see this incredible crowd,” Eskamani said.

[To see video from Casselberry’s “No Kings” protest, see below]

There were a few Trump supporters who clashed with other rally attendees, but the protest remained peaceful.

With the protest blocking Orange Avenue at one point, LYNX issued an alert for a service disruption to its LYMMO Orange and Grapefruit lines.

“We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your understanding as we navigate around the affected area,” the alert stated.

[News 6 video below shows critics and supporters of Donald Trump in New Smyrna Beach]

The “No Kings” website stated that these protests — with nearly 2,000 scheduled worldwide — seek to draw attention away from a military parade happening Saturday evening in Washington D.C. for the Army’s 250th anniversary, which happens to also be the president’s 79th birthday.