Protests could be ‘unprecedented' in LA, where marines are guarding federal building
Protests on June 13 appeared to be scattered and relatively muted. PHOTO: AFP
Protests could be 'unprecedented' in LA, where marines are guarding federal building
With a surge of demonstrations against the Trump administration's crackdown on immigration expected on June 14, authorities in Los Angeles said they were bracing for a turnout that 'may be unprecedented' in the city that has been the epicentre of days of sustained protests.
In a news conference on June 13, the city's police chief Jim McDonnell said that his agency was 'fully prepared' and that officers would be focused on balancing a need to 'protect public safety while safeguarding every individual's right to protest peacefully.'
As activists and law enforcement agencies across the country appeared to focus their energy on mobilising on June 14, Marines took over guard duty on June 13 at a federal office building in Los Angeles. The step further entangled the US military in the Trump administration's response to protests over the deportation of immigrants.
One man was briefly detained on June 13 outside the office building, after he tried to duck under yellow caution tape to reach the Veterans Affairs office.
Protests on June 13 appeared to be scattered and relatively muted in anticipation of demonstrations set to take place over the weekend. June 14 could be the biggest day of activism since protests began last week in response to a raid by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in Los Angeles.
The protests, which organisers have called the 'No Kings' demonstrations, are being planned in all 50 states. The collective action coincides with a military parade in Washington celebrating the Army's 250th anniversary and President Donald Trump's 79th birthday.
In the news conference on June 13, law enforcement officials in Los Angeles explicitly affirmed the right to protest under the First Amendment, distinguishing between peaceful protesters and disruptive agitators. It was a contrast from Mr Trump, who had said anyone seeking to protest the military parade in Washington would be met with 'very big force.'
'It's a good cause,' said Mr Robert G. Luna, the Los Angeles County sheriff. 'But we do not want violent agitators out there destroying property or committing acts of violence.'
Here is what else to know:
Man detained: The man identified himself to reporters as Marcos Leao, 27, and said he was an Army veteran. He had tried to duck under yellow caution tape to reach the Veterans Affairs office in the building, he said, and was undisturbed by his brief detention. 'They treated me very fairly.'
Newark unrest: Dozens of law enforcement officials entered a private immigration detention centre in Newark, New Jersey, on June 12 after reports of a disturbance inside.
Senator handcuffed: Mr Sen. Alex Padilla, D-Calif., was forcibly removed and handcuffed on June 12 after disrupting a news conference being held by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. Democratic senators, House members and governors rushed to denounce Padilla's treatment. NYTIMES
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