2 days ago
San Diego Police Department urges peace, warns against violence in anti-ICE protests
(Above: Report by FOX 5/KUSI's Jennifer Franco on May 30 about the ICE operations at Buona Forchetta)
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — The San Diego Police Department issued a statement Friday regarding the federal immigration enforcement actions happening nationwide.
Following on the heels of an announcement made earlier this week by the San Diego County Chiefs and Sheriff's Association, SDPD said it 'fully supports the right to peacefully assemble and exercise free speech' and that it recognizes how the actions taken by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents have 'deeply affected' the community.
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However, the department warned that damaging property or conducting other violent acts will have legal consequences.
'The San Diego Police Department does not enforce federal immigration laws, nor do we inquire about immigration status,' the department stated. 'Our mission is focused on public safety.'
At the end of last month, ICE agents conducted two immigration enforcement operations at an Italian restaurant, Buona Forchetta, and its sister restaurant in South Park.
San Diego police officers were also called in to assist after the heightened response led to a crowd of people gathering around the scene, attempting to prevent the ICE agents and their vehicles from leaving.
The warnings come ahead of another wave of protests planned for Saturday called 'No Kings Day,' a nationwide movement which is aimed against several policies and actions made by the Trump administration, including strict immigration enforcement. Here's where 'No Kings' events are happening in San Diego County.
SDPD's reaction to the federal crackdown on illegal immigration echoes a similar sentiment made by the county's law enforcement association on Tuesday.
Chula Vista Police Chief Roxana Kennedy, who is also the president of the San Diego County Chiefs and Sheriff's Association, said assaults on law enforcement or acts like looting, vandalism and arson 'will not be tolerated.'
'Should federal authorities request our assistance due to safety concerns, local law enforcement will respond as necessary to ensure the protection of all involved—officers, agents, and members of the public alike,' her statement on behalf of the association read. 'This support is strictly for safety and security purposes and does not reflect participation in immigration enforcement.'
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