We Stood Together: No Kings, No Tyrants
Baja joins the global call to defend democracy
~ by Joan Lucci
On Saturday, October 18, approximately seven million people across all 50 U.S. states joined No Kings protests — peaceful demonstrations calling for the defense of democracy. More than 20 countries worldwide, including Mexico, participated in solidarity.
Across Mexico, Democrats Abroad organized rallies in multiple cities with a combined attendance of nearly 1,200 participants — from Lake Chapala to Ensenada. In Baja California, Democrats Abroad and allies staged No Tyrants: A Global Day of Defiance in Ensenada and San Felipe. We joined a chorus of voices heard around the world. At least 100 protesters attended the two Baja rallies — marching, chanting, and ralling in unity.
San Felipe hosted its first manifestación (rally)—a small but powerful group. Debbie Malloy, who helped organize and secure permits from the municipality, said:
“We’re building community. We’ll have more at the next one.”
In Ensenada, John Boothby, a principal organizer, added:
“Our rallies are small compared to the ones stateside, but it’s important to acknowledge that we’re part of that rule that says if 3.5% of the population participates in peaceful protests, it can lead to real change. We are U.S. citizens, binationals, and Mexicans in our community with the same voice. We will be heard: we’re working up to being part of a 12-million march.”
What’s in a Word: Manifestación
In Spanish, the word for protest — manifestación — carries a particularly beautiful meaning. It comes from manifestar, “to make visible.” Our manifestaciones are not acts of anger, but of revelation — moments where we make visible our shared commitment to democracy, dignity, and mutual respect.
Standing for a government that is truly “of the people, by the people, and for the people” lies at the heart of the Resistance. These events oppose abuses of power — hence the message we see and hear: No Oligarchs. No Tyrants. No Kings. No Authoritarianism.
A Community in Solidarity
Participating in a local rally does more than express solidarity; it builds community. In Baja, we’re building community among U.S. expats, binational citizens, and Mexican nationals who share common hopes for fairness, freedom, and democracy. Every act of participation matters — whether it’s planning, marching, or simply showing up.
Hold Out Against the System
Many are calling for a week of peaceful economic withdrawal — sending a message from The People (El Pueblo). Participate in this movement that begins Nov. 25 and ends Dec. 2.
For those living in Mexico, the focus is simple: shop locally, pay in cash, and support neighborhood businesses. Fill your gas tank and do your grocery shopping before November 25. Eat at independently-owned restaurants, and explore Baja’s lively open-air markets (tianguis):
• La Misión (Mon)
• Primo Tapia (Sat)
• Rosarito (Sun)
• And daily markets throughout Tijuana
What’s Next
With October behind us, planning is already underway for the next global rally in early 2026, with plans for events in Ensenada and Mexicali. We hope to see participants from Tijuana-to-Punta Banda at the Ensenada rally, and from Tecate-to-San Felipe at the Mexicali event. We’re also working to build our presence in Baja Sur — imagine the possibility of manifestatiónes in both state capitals: Mexicali (Baja California) and La Paz (Baja Sur).
Take Action
• Volunteer — join our rally planning team and help organize future events.
• Act locally — take small but powerful actions every day at 5calls.org.
• Boycott companies like Spotify (for ICE recruitment ads), Target, Walmart, and others that fail to support equal-opportunity and worker rights policies.
• VOTE! — register as an overseas voter and request your ballot at VoteFromAbroad.org.
For more information or to get involved with what’s happening in Baja California, contact Joan Lucci at [email protected] or 505-920-2875.
~ by Joan Lucci
On Saturday, October 18, approximately seven million people across all 50 U.S. states joined No Kings protests — peaceful demonstrations calling for the defense of democracy. More than 20 countries worldwide, including Mexico, participated in solidarity.
Across Mexico, Democrats Abroad organized rallies in multiple cities with a combined attendance of nearly 1,200 participants — from Lake Chapala to Ensenada. In Baja California, Democrats Abroad and allies staged No Tyrants: A Global Day of Defiance in Ensenada and San Felipe. We joined a chorus of voices heard around the world. At least 100 protesters attended the two Baja rallies — marching, chanting, and ralling in unity.
San Felipe hosted its first manifestación (rally)—a small but powerful group. Debbie Malloy, who helped organize and secure permits from the municipality, said:
“We’re building community. We’ll have more at the next one.”
In Ensenada, John Boothby, a principal organizer, added:
“Our rallies are small compared to the ones stateside, but it’s important to acknowledge that we’re part of that rule that says if 3.5% of the population participates in peaceful protests, it can lead to real change. We are U.S. citizens, binationals, and Mexicans in our community with the same voice. We will be heard: we’re working up to being part of a 12-million march.”
What’s in a Word: Manifestación
In Spanish, the word for protest — manifestación — carries a particularly beautiful meaning. It comes from manifestar, “to make visible.” Our manifestaciones are not acts of anger, but of revelation — moments where we make visible our shared commitment to democracy, dignity, and mutual respect.
Standing for a government that is truly “of the people, by the people, and for the people” lies at the heart of the Resistance. These events oppose abuses of power — hence the message we see and hear: No Oligarchs. No Tyrants. No Kings. No Authoritarianism.
A Community in Solidarity
Participating in a local rally does more than express solidarity; it builds community. In Baja, we’re building community among U.S. expats, binational citizens, and Mexican nationals who share common hopes for fairness, freedom, and democracy. Every act of participation matters — whether it’s planning, marching, or simply showing up.
Hold Out Against the System
Many are calling for a week of peaceful economic withdrawal — sending a message from The People (El Pueblo). Participate in this movement that begins Nov. 25 and ends Dec. 2.
For those living in Mexico, the focus is simple: shop locally, pay in cash, and support neighborhood businesses. Fill your gas tank and do your grocery shopping before November 25. Eat at independently-owned restaurants, and explore Baja’s lively open-air markets (tianguis):
• La Misión (Mon)
• Primo Tapia (Sat)
• Rosarito (Sun)
• And daily markets throughout Tijuana
What’s Next
With October behind us, planning is already underway for the next global rally in early 2026, with plans for events in Ensenada and Mexicali. We hope to see participants from Tijuana-to-Punta Banda at the Ensenada rally, and from Tecate-to-San Felipe at the Mexicali event. We’re also working to build our presence in Baja Sur — imagine the possibility of manifestatiónes in both state capitals: Mexicali (Baja California) and La Paz (Baja Sur).
Take Action
• Volunteer — join our rally planning team and help organize future events.
• Act locally — take small but powerful actions every day at 5calls.org.
• Boycott companies like Spotify (for ICE recruitment ads), Target, Walmart, and others that fail to support equal-opportunity and worker rights policies.
• VOTE! — register as an overseas voter and request your ballot at VoteFromAbroad.org.
For more information or to get involved with what’s happening in Baja California, contact Joan Lucci at [email protected] or 505-920-2875.
Published in the Thanksgiving issue of Baja News [Page 2 NV-M 2025].