To the editor:

I had intended to write a much different letter this week with information on No Kings Day. I will get to that, but first I feel the need to express my horror and heartbreak at what is happening in Los Angeles right now.

Most of us know about how ICE is impacting the feeling of safety and security in our communities. They show up in full battle gear, faces fully covered, without providing warrants or identification; and just take suspected “undocumented” men, women and children off the streets, oftentimes using force. Members of our communities have stood up to the ICE with peaceful and nonviolent protesting and chanting to defend their fellow community members, as is their right. These are not paid protesters; not staged, made for TV demonstrations; these are citizens of the United States, and they are outraged.

There are no riots in LA being perpetrated by protesters. This is a false narrative that Donald Trump and his regime are claiming.

Shortly after Trump deployed the National Guard to LA, he attended a UFC event. He did not care about what would then unfold. Our own armed service members are in the streets, prepared to use physical force against the citizens they took an oath to protect. Our Democracy is in crisis. This is no longer the country of freedom and justice. We are under the thumb of a tyrant.

With that said, I urge you to take to the streets this Saturday, June 14, and loudly protest the unconstitutional, cruel behaviors of Donald Trump and his regime. There are more than 1,600 organized events planned nationwide this Saturday. Their purpose is to say “NO to KINGS.” However, in light of recent events, we need to say “NO” to Trump’s bullying, cruelty, and lavish spending.

Our elected leaders are not speaking out, so it is up to us, “We the People,” to take back our country and the U.S. flag. There is no better day to do this than Flag Day. Below is information about events taking place in RI and the East Bay community. You can also go online for more information: www.mobilize.us and nokings.org. I urge you to stand up, speak out, and protect our democracy.

• Warren: 12-1 p.m. at the U.S. Post Office, 53 Child St.
• Portsmouth/Middletown/Newport: 12-2 p.m. at Two Mile Corner, East and West Main roads, Middletown
• Providence: 1-3 p.m. at India Point Park, 22 India St. (rally and protest); hosted by American Federation of Teachers
• Providence: 12 - 2 p.m. at the Statehouse (mall side), 53 Smith St. (community outreach event), hosted by 50501RI.

There are also events in nearby Swansea, Seekonk, and Fall River, Mass.

Jen Devine
Bristol