Thousands of demonstrators are expected to protest this week against President Trump and Republican leaders gathering in Dallas for a midterm convention on Wednesday and Thursday. The convention at the American Airlines Center is expected to attract about 20,000 people, according to the Republican National Committee. President Trump, Vice President JD Vance and dozens of Republican leaders are scheduled to speak.

Dallas city leaders said local police have worked with federal agencies to coordinate security. City manager Kimberly Bizor Tolbert said at a news conference that security was expected to cost about $1.8 million. “Our goal is not to interfere with lawful expression,” she said. “Our goal is to provide an environment where people can exercise their rights safely, while protecting the rights and safety of everyone else.”

A faith leaders’ event is scheduled for Wednesday at Paul Quinn College in Dallas. On Thursday, 5,000 to 10,000 people are expected at Dallas City Hall for the We The People Rally, featuring local Democratic officials and civil rights and labor leaders. The Next Generation Action Network, a North Texas civil rights organization, secured the permit and said people were gathering to stand up for democracy and “vulnerable communities that have felt targeted or marginalized.”

The Dallas Against the Trump Agenda coalition has organized a Thursday afternoon march starting at Pike Park near the American Airlines Center. Protesters will be limited in how close they can get to the venue. Fencing went up last week, and street closures were planned Tuesday through Friday. Volunteer Xavi Velasquez said organizers expected about 1,000 people to join the march.