Minneapolis, United States: Tens of thousands of protesters gathered in Minneapolis on Saturday under the national “No Kings” banner, months after the city was shaken by federal immigration raids that left two US citizens dead.

The January operations resulted in the deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, both killed by federal agents. The incident turned Minneapolis into a flashpoint in President Donald Trump’s wider immigration crackdown.

Organisers said an estimated 200,000 people attended what was billed as the flagship event of the movement’s third nationwide protest since its launch last year. Demonstrators voiced opposition to what they described as Trump’s strongman leadership and right-wing agenda.

Springsteen headlines tribute amid chants and slogans

US musician Bruce Springsteen headlined the rally in neighbouring St. Paul, part of the Twin Cities, performing his song “Streets of Minneapolis”, written in tribute to Good and Pretti.

"Their bravery, their sacrifice and their names will not be forgotten," Springsteen said.

Crowds chanted “no Kings, no ICE, no war!” while many held placards, including signs reading “ICE OUT”, referring to Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

"Your strength and your commitment told us that this is still America, and this reactionary nightmare and the invasions of American cities will not stand," Springsteen told the crowd.

Political leaders, protesters criticise Trump policies

Pamela Sinness, 73, said she joined the rally because she believes “in equal rights for all people, including the immigrants who come to our country.”

"It feels wonderful to see all the like-minded people gathered here, because the people of Minnesota were very traumatized by the violence and the disrespect shown to all people, and the murders in our streets of Renee Good and Alex Pretti," she said.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz addressed the rally, thanking attendees for standing up to Trump, whom he called a “wannabe dictator”.

US politician Bernie Sanders also spoke, telling the crowd: "We will never accept a president who is a pathological liar, a kleptocrat and a narcissist who is undermining the Constitution of the United States and the rule of law every day."

Concerns widen to foreign policy, elections

Gina Bilotta-Racelis criticised Trump as “incompetent”, adding that “he has no idea what he's doing.” Referring to the Middle East conflict triggered by US-Israeli strikes on February 28, she said Trump “should follow the rules and the laws like everyone else.”

Citing the Iran conflict, rising oil prices and immigration raids, Bilotta-Racelis said she believes Republicans may struggle in the November midterm elections.

"I think they'll lose," she said. "If you're watching the polls, you can see it happening day by day."