Amid government shutdown, ICE raids and troop deployments, Saturday's 'No Kings' protests could be biggest in US history

Protesters make signs ahead of nationwide mass demonstrations. [Brooke Anderson/TNA]

"What's happening right now is fanning the flames. People who would normally just yell at their TV are choosing to be vocal," Jordan Esparza-Kelley, communications coordinator with the Chicago chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, told The New Arab.

The "No Kings" demonstrations planned across the US on Saturday are expected to be the largest since Donald Trump began his second term as president in January—and possibly in US history.

More than 2,500 cities, suburbs and small towns across the country will hold marches and demonstrations, with around 10 "anchor cities"—including New York, Chicago and San Francisco—hosting the largest gatherings with prominent speakers, and bringing together a broad spectrum of those opposing the Trump administration.

This mass mobilisation comes as the Trump administration is continuing efforts to deploy the National Guard to Democratic-run cities and states, threatening immigrants with deportation through ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) raids, and leaving healthcare and other services in limbo during a shutdown.