COEUR d’ALENE — While protests over federal immigration enforcement actions continue nationwide, more cities are expected to see demonstrations later this week, including several in North Idaho.

“No Kings” protests are planned across the country Saturday, coinciding with President Donald Trump’s planned military parade in Washington, D.C., as well as Trump’s 79th birthday. The Coeur d’Alene protest is scheduled from noon to 3 p.m. at the intersection of U.S. 95 and Appleway Avenue. 

Elsewhere in North Idaho, No Kings protests are planned in Bonners Ferry, Sandpoint and the Silver Valley. 

“No Kings is expected to be the largest single-day mobilization since President Trump returned to office — a mass, nationwide protest rejecting authoritarianism, billionaire-first politics and the militarization of our democracy,” a news release said. 

Coeur d’Alene resident Sarah Martin, an organizer of the local event and the newly-elected chair of the Kootenai County Democrats, said the protest is an opportunity for people to speak out against federal actions that are “chipping away at the constitutional order.” She pointed to Trump’s mobilization of the National Guard and Marines in Los Angeles amid protests over federal immigration enforcement raids as an example of an overreach. 

“We want to make sure that not just a small group of people have rights,” she said. “Everyone is supposed to be covered under the Constitution.” 

The Coeur d’Alene Police Department is aware of the planned protest. 

“We support the rights of the community to peacefully protest and desire those in attendance to respect the rights of others present to do the same,” Capt. Dave Hagar told The Press. 

The Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office also weighed in ahead of the demonstration. 

“If you choose to participate in a protest or counter protest in our community, I ask that you do so peacefully, respectfully and lawfully,” Kootenai County Sheriff Bob Norris said in a news release. 

Martin said she believes the high turnout at recent peaceful demonstrations, including a “Hands Off” rally that drew hundreds of people in April, shows that concerns about the Trump administration’s actions have crossed party lines. 

“These rallies aren’t just pulling Democrats,” she said. “We have Independents. We have Republicans. People from across the board are showing up. We’re all here to help support each other in standing up for our rights.” 

On social media, rumors are circulating about the protest. One public Facebook post claimed that “hundreds of residents have reached out with concerns that outside agitators or paid protestors may try to disrupt the area” and urged people to watch for “vehicles surrounded or targeted.” 

The post garnered more than 1,900 comments and more than 200 shares by Thursday afternoon. 

Martin said such rumors are baseless and the people behind them are attempting to discredit the protest and the message behind it. 

“I think it’s a big distraction,” she said. “We’re here to stand up for our rights — nothing more, nothing less.”