The largely peaceful protests during the "No Kings Day" demonstration in downtown Los Angeles took an intense turn in the afternoon. Police ordered the crowd to disperse at about 4:15 p.m. PDT near Alameda Street and Temple Avenue, according to the Los Angeles Police Department's Central Division.

Houston Mayor John Whitmire had only praise for the way the No Kings rally unfolded. "I just think we witnessed Houston at its best – I'll use the word ‘spectacular,'" Whitmire said in a mid-afternoon phone call.

Texas police say there are more than 8,000 in attendance at the Capitol for Saturday's 'No Kings' protest. Follow for live updates.

In a rare display of unity, Houston Mayor John Whitmire and Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo have jointly declared that the city does not require federal assistance to manage the planned "No Kings" protests scheduled for this Saturday.

No Kings!” chants at the No Kings Alexandria Rally were met with the sharp sound of a whistle from a President Donald Trump supporter.

The demonstrations come on the heels of protests flaring up around the country over federal immigration enforcement raids that began last week and Trump ordering National Guard troops and Marines to Los Angeles where protesters blocked a freeway and set cars on fire.

The procession, with more than 6,000 soldiers and 128 Army tanks, was one Trump tried to make happen in his first term.

"No Kings" protests against the Trump administration are set to take place today in and around New York City as part of nationwide demonstrations. The protests coincide with Saturday's military parade in Washington,