No Kings Protests Draw Thousands Across Central Jersey
From Rahway to Red Bank, thousands across Central Jersey joined the nationwide No Kings protests.
October 19, 2025
Thousands of protesters across Central Jersey rallied against the Trump administration on Saturday as part of a nationwide “No Kings” day of demonstrations.
In towns large and small, residents took to the streets to voice their concerns about the direction of the country. Some smaller rallies drew hundreds of people. Rahway—just four square miles—saw as many as 1,200 demonstrators filling multiple blocks along St. Georges Avenue.
Many protesters said they joined the rallies because they believe American democracy is under threat.
“It’s discouraging to see all the headlines,” said Raheem Perkins, 32, of Rahway, referring to recent reports from the White House. “But this rally really recharges my batteries.”
Other demonstrators expressed concern for immigrants, including their own families.
“My parents and grandparents were born in Haiti,” said Germaine, who declined to give her full name out of fear for her family. “They came to this country for a better future, and I’m living that better future.”
Ruben Woolcott, who moved to the United States from Holland, said he fears the administration may try to revoke U.S. citizenship from immigrants. One of President Trump’s first actions in his second term was to sign an executive order ending birthright citizenship—an order opponents say violates the Constitution. The U.S. Supreme Court is expected to review the order in the near future.
Woolcott and his wife, Erica, live in Woodbridge and were among many protesters from neighboring towns who attended the Rahway rally.
“I’m a veteran with the U.S. Marines,” said Trish Machuca, who lives in Elizabeth and attended the rally with her husband, Joey. “And I took an oath to serve and protect against all threats, both foreign and domestic.”
Maryellen Rodriguez, 19, from Woodbridge, joined the demonstration with her mother.
“America has become so full of hatred,” Rodriguez said. “I think the best way to combat that is with unity.”
Trish Machuca, a retired veteran who lives in Elizabeth, attended the No Kings protest in Rahway. (The Central Jerseyan)
Maryellen Rodriguez, 19, who lives in Woodbridge, attended the Rahway rally with her mother. (The Central Jerseyan)
Not everyone supported the demonstrations. Republican leaders criticized the protests, calling them divisive and unproductive.
“You’re going to bring together the Marxists, the socialists, the Antifa advocates, the anarchists, and the pro-Hamas wing of the far-left Democrat Party,” said House Speaker Mike Johnson ahead of the rallies.
President Trump also weighed in, posting an AI-generated video on Saturday showing an image of himself flying a fighter jet named “King Trump” over the protests.
Elsewhere in Central Jersey, protests took place in Plainfield, Piscataway, Red Bank, and Westfield. Some drew prominent names, including Jon Bon Jovi, who attended the Red Bank rally.
In Maplewood, Democratic Senator Andy Kim served as the keynote speaker, while Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill addressed protesters in Montclair.
Organizers said they hope the rallies will boost voter turnout on Election Day. The latest polling shows Sherrill and Republican Jack Ciattarelli locked in a close race for New Jersey governor.
“We’re waiting to see when the next national event will be, but in NJ, clearly the call is to get everyone to the polls and to vote in Mikie Sherrill as our next Governor,” said Lisa Vandever-Levy, co-leader of Indivisible Rahway, which organized Saturday’s protest.
The protests around the nation were peaceful, including in Rahway. Officers monitored the protest from their vehicles and a drone in the air. No arrests were made.
Scroll through to see more of the No Kings protests across Central Jersey.
