Thousands expected to rally in Portland's No Kings protest

Zoom in: The protest begins at 11am across Portland, with groups assembling at three main locations.

• Faith leaders at Pioneer Courthouse Square.
• Science and education advocates at Southeast Clay Street and Water Avenue.
• Labor groups at the convention center.

All are expected to march to the Battleship Oregon Memorial at Tom McCall Waterfront Park for a rally at noon.

Flashback: The first No Kings protest in Portland, held in the summer, drew an estimated 50,000 people.

State of play: More than 2,500 events are planned across all 50 states as of Monday, organizers said.

• "Together, millions will send a clear and unmistakable message: we are a nation of equals, and our country will not be ruled by fear or force," their statement said.

Between the lines: The demonstrations coincide with legal battles over a blocked National Guard deployment in Portland, as tensions between local officials and federal agencies continue to rise and protest tomfoolery at an ICE facility gains momentum.

The other side: Republican lawmakers slammed the protests as "a hate America rally," saying Democrats are using it as political theater during the shutdown.