Protests are scheduled in San Diego this Saturday, June 14 as part of a nationwide No Kings’ national day of mobilizations, a series of rallies being held across the country in response to what organizers describe as “the increasing authoritarian excesses and corruption of the Trump administration.”
The San Diego, protests are scheduled for 10 a.m. at both Waterfront Park and Civic Center Plaza. Both protest marches plan to conclude at Waterfront Park. More than 1,500 cities across all 50 states are set to take part in nonviolent demonstrations.
In San Diego, two locations of the local restaurant chain Officina Buona Forchetta were raided on May 30 by Homeland Security and ICE agents, prompting local anti-ICE protests. In Los Angeles, continued protests against ICE raids have seen President Trump mobilize the National Guard and hundreds of Marines in what California governor Gavin Newsom describes as an escalation and “brazen abuse of power.”
Saturday’s protests in SD boast more than 30 partner organizations. The organizer’s website provides information on public transportation to the rally, parking, supply recommendations, as well as the marching route.
How to Attend the No Kings Protest Safely
A lot of these freedoms are things to be remembered before and during Saturday’s rallies. Know your rights:
- Controversial free speech expression is protected in a public forum as long as said expressions aren’t obscene and don’t incite imminent violence.
- San Diego prohibits the use of metal stakes, clubs, and pipes at protests and requires that wooden stakes for signs must be 2 inches or less in width and a quarter inch or less in thickness.
- Counter-demonstrators also have free-speech rights to be both present and vocal, but not the right to physically interrupt the demonstration that they are protesting against.
- You cannot legally be arrested for refusing to identify yourself or answer an officer’s questions unless they have reasonable suspicion or probable cause to believe you have done something illegal (there are exceptions to this if you are on probation or parole).
- You do not have to consent to have you or your belongings searched unless officers have suspicion that you possess a weapon.
- If you are arrested, you have the right to remain silent, and it is recommended that you request a lawyer immediately.
- If you feel as though your rights have been violated, take pictures and record notes of every detail possible in regard to the incident.
For more detailed information on your rights, visit the ACLU’s First-Amendment Protected Rights Guides.
