By Gina Yarbrough
San Diego, CA–Ahead of Saturday’s “No Kings” protests, the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office released a statement urging participants to exercise their First Amendment rights in a peaceful manner.
“On behalf of Sheriff Kelly Martinez and the Sheriff’s Office, we thank everyone who plans to participate to peacefully express their First Amendment rights,” the agency said in a news release.
Officials emphasized their support for free speech and lawful assembly, noting that peaceful demonstrations will not prompt law enforcement intervention.
“We support the public’s right to free speech and assembly. We encourage the peaceful gathering of people. We respect your right to be heard,” the statement continued.
Authorities also underscored that any acts of violence or unlawful behavior will not be tolerated.
“The Sheriff’s Office does not condone any acts of violence or intolerance in our communities. Our job is to enforce the law. As long as people express themselves in a peaceful and lawful manner, we do not have any lawful authority to intervene,” the statement said.
The “No Kings” protests are scheduled to take place across San Diego County with thousands of demonstrators expected to participate in events throughout the day.
The coordinated protests are part of a broader nationwide movement raising concerns over federal immigration enforcement actions carried out by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement during the Trump administration, as well as issues including the war with Iran and the rising cost of gas prices in the United States.
