Milwaukee organizers prepare to join international "No Kings" rallies against Trump administration Saturday

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- This weekend, a coordinated network of protests will be held in hundreds of cities around the world against President Trump and White House policies.

They've been named the "No Kings" protests in reference to what organizers say is authoritarianism.

The protests come on the heels of elevated tensions in Los Angeles, where President Trump ordered in the National Guard to quell anti-ICE demonstrations.

Tomorrow, June 14, people in dozens of Wisconsin communities will join with people across the us, as well as South America, Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia.

Barriers stand at the ready to help control traffic around Milwaukee's Cathedral Square Park.

The international network of demonstrations aims to oppose perceived authoritarianism from the President and his administration; to say America has no kings.

Eli Knier is an organizer with the Young Democratic Socialists of America. He told us, "Right now, a lot of people are scared. And it is dangerous times. And I think we all have to come together and show up in force."

That force will be seen locally, nationally, and internationally when millions of people are expected to rally Saturday against the Trump administration.

Dozens of Wisconsin communities are among the hundreds of host cities on the No Kings website, many of which are gearing up for massive crowds.

Milwaukee police told us they are "prepared and monitoring the event" but would not elaborate on specific plans.

The anti-Trump rallies are in direct opposition to the military parade that will be held in Washington in conjunction with the President's birthday.

They come at a time of heightened tension across the country, particularly over ICE immigration raids.

This week, protesters in Los Angeles clashed with law enforcement after Trump ordered in the National Guard.

On Thursday, California Senator Alex Padilla was handcuffed while trying to ask DHS Secretary Kristi Noem about the raids.

Knier says many fear government overreach. "We reject authoritarianism, we reject ICE's overreach, and we reject the authoritarian measures the president is taking right now."

The crowd Saturday is expected to be larger than the couple thousand that rallied Tuesday against ICE detention and deportation policies.

Just this week, Milwaukee immigrant Ramon Morales-Reyes was released from jail after three weeks.

He told reporters in Spanish, "My life was like this... a mess. It was confusing. I was defamed."

Morales-Reyes was framed for a hoax threat against the President, according to authorities, but he still faces deportation.

As protesters prepare for Saturday, they're hoping a show of strength can have an impact.

Knier said, "When the people show up in such a way, in such a national movement, in such force, officials have to listen."

The Milwaukee No Kings rally will start at noon Saturday in Cathedral Park Square.

Others will be held throughout the day.