January 20, 2017 - 11:22 AMT
Robert De Niro, Cher lead anti-Trump protests in New York City

Raucous protesters squared off against Washington police Thursday, January 19 night outside a meeting of Trump supporters, the first of what may be several demonstrations before and after the new president's inauguration, USA Today reports.

Also, in New York City, thousands of New Yorkers filled Trump’s backyard, led by several stars such as Robert De Niro, Cher, and others.

Joined by celebrities, government leaders and union organizers, angry protesters flooded Columbus Circle, Broadway and several blocks of Central Park West, the New York Daily News reported.

“There are those who are working to divide us,” said “Sex and the City” star Cynthia Nixon. “We are not going back. We’re not turning around.

Protesters gathered on 14th Street outside the National Press Club in Washington to demonstrate against "DeploraBall," an event organized by some of Trump's most fervent supporters, CNN reported. Images from the event were shared on social media.

Some protesters appeared to set off smoke devices and police detained several people, although it was unclear if they were placed under arrest.

Protesters lit a small fire and danced around it, shouting insults about Trump. The group Refuse Fascism organized the protest outside of the DeploraBall, the LA Times reported, an event that gathered many of the white nationalist “alt-right” movement to celebrate the inauguration.