PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Demonstrators crowded Center City Philadelphia on Saturday for one of the thousands of 'No Kings' protests and marches throughout the country.
Intermittent light rain fell as sign-carrying marchers gathered for the flagship rally in Love Park.
Organizers handed out small American flags, and many people carried protest signs saying things like "fight oligarchy" and "deport the mini-Mussolinis."
They shouted "Whose streets? Our streets!" as they marched to the Philadelphia Museum of Art, where they listened to speakers on the museum's steps.
"So what do you say, Philly?" Democratic U.S. Rep. Jamie Raskin of Maryland shouted to the crowd. "Are you ready to fight back? Do you want a gangster state or do you want free speech in America?"
Karen Van Trieste, a 61-year-old nurse who drove up from Maryland, said she grew up in Philadelphia and wanted to be with a large group of people showing her support.
"I just feel like we need to defend our democracy," she said. She is concerned about the Trump administration's layoffs of staff at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the fate of immigrant communities and the Trump administration trying to rule by executive order, she said.
A woman wearing a foam Statue of Liberty crown brought a speaker system and led an anti-Trump sing-along, changing the words "young man" in the song "Y.M.C.A." to "con man."
One man in Revolutionary War era garb and a tricorn hat held a sign with a quote often attributed to Thomas Jefferson: "All tyranny needs to gain a foothold is for people of good conscience to remain silent."
The protests were held ahead of the military parade in Washington, D.C. to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army. The event, which also falls on President Trump's 79th birthday, begins at 6:30 p.m.
Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker posted a "Demonstrator's Guide" ahead of Saturday's No Kings protest and march.
"The City of Philadelphia wants to remind everyone that the First Amendment protects demonstrators' ability to peacefully protest," read a post on her official Facebook account."
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro said his administration is "prepared to keep our communities safe while always protecting Pennsylvanians' fundamental right to peacefully protest.
"We will be working around the clock to ensure both the rights of demonstrators and the wellbeing of our cities and towns are protected," Shapiro said in a statement.
Officials with the Philadelphia District Attorney's Office encouraged protesters to be peaceful this weekend.
Anticipating what the weekend may bring, the DA's office vows to punish those who break the law.
"We will also hold accountable anyone and everyone," said District Attorney Larry Krasner (D-Philadelphia), "whether they are uniformed ICE agents or opportunistic criminals who would tuck in behind lawful protests in order to loot."
It's possible that ICE agents will be present at protests this weekend since protests are no longer among the spaces protected against immigration enforcement. It's one change enacted under the Trump administration.
"They reserve their right to commit ICE enforcement during ice activities," said Caleb Arnold with the Philadelphia District Attorney's Office.
Read more: What to know about road closures, parking restrictions and SEPTA changes
The City of Philadelphia plans to close several roads and implement parking restrictions for the "No Kings" protest rally and march that is planned for Saturday.
Philadelphia is one of several cities across the U.S. preparing for progressive groups who say they will be protesting the Trump administration and to counter the military parade in Washington, D.C., marking the U.S. Army's 250th birthday.
The Philadelphia rally is expected to start around noon, but many will begin assembling around 10 a.m. on Saturday. The group will then march from Love Park to the Art Museum steps.
The city has announced several road closures in that area starting Saturday at 3 a.m. until 5 p.m.
City officials warn residents to expect significant delays during the event.
Motorists are advised to avoid the area by using an alternate route or public transportation.
For a full list of street closures, parking restrictions and more, click here.
