SAN DIEGO (KGTV) — Six protesters who barricaded themselves inside the lobby area of San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria's office were removed by police Friday evening. The protesters demanded a meeting with the mayor, calling for Immigration and Customs Enforcement to be removed from the San Diego community.
The group has been occupying the space since 9 a.m. Friday, putting up their own sign calling the area "The People's Office." After spending the morning trying to secure a meeting with Gloria, the protesters began chanting and demonstrating in the afternoon when no meeting was granted.
Around 2 p.m., the group barricaded the doors to the lobby area, which sits between the mayor's actual office and the building entrance, and issued their formal demands.
Their primary demand is a meeting with the mayor to discuss removing ICE from San Diego. They also want the San Diego Police Department to stop participating in ICE activities.
The San Diego Police Department has previously told ABC 10News that they don't participate in immigration enforcement. However, officers will provide emergency assistance to all law enforcement agencies, including those under the Department of Homeland Security and Border Patrol, in order to comply with SB 54, the state law that limits local law enforcement cooperation with federal authorities.
The protesters say they plan to stay in the lobby area as long as necessary and will remain until forcefully removed. They emphasized they do not want violence and are only seeking a conversation with the mayor.
The mayor's office sent the following statement:
This morning, a group of individuals arrived at my office demanding to meet with me and staged a sit-in. What transpired later went beyond peaceful protest.
These individuals chose to raid the front desk to my office, bang on the doors in ways that intended to force entry, and then barricaded the doors, creating a public safety hazard.
That conduct is unacceptable — full stop.
My staff — including my deputy chief of staff — met with this group just last week. My staff listened directly to their concerns about ICE activity and the role of local law enforcement, and those concerns were shared with me.
I have been unequivocal and public about where I stand on their issue. In my State of the City address last week, and through the executive order I signed in July, I made it clear that the San Diego Police Department does not participate in federal immigration enforcement. That policy is in writing, it is enforced, and it is exactly what these protestors are asking for.
No matter how strongly someone feels, obstructing the public’s business and intimidating City employees is not how change is made. I will not be coerced, and I will not tolerate behavior that puts hardworking City staff or the public at risk.
I understand the fear and anxiety many people are feeling right now. I share those concerns. That is precisely why I have taken action — and why San Diego’s policies are clear and lawful.
We will always protect the right to peaceful protest. But we must also protect City employees, public facilities, and the ability of residents to access essential services without fear and intimidation.
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