San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie convened a briefing at the city’s Department of Emergency Management on Friday the 13th in preparation for the large-scale protest against federal immigration policies expected to take place on Saturday, June 14th. With concerns about potential disruptions from out-of-town radical groups, Mayor Lurie, alongside public safety officials and city leaders, assured that strict enforcement measures will be in place to safeguard the safety and freedom of speech of the city’s residents.
The Mayor highlighted the city’s proactive approach over the past week to facilitate peaceful protests and address various scenarios by activating a multi-department emergency response mechanism to ensure order and normal operation in the city.
The peaceful demonstration held at City Hall on the 12th showcased the power of citizens to express their opinions in a non-violent manner, reflecting the values of San Francisco in supporting each other.
Acknowledging the fears of some immigrant families concerning separation or unfair treatment, Mayor Lurie emphasized the city’s commitment to solidarity, empathy, and protecting every member of the community’s right to freely express themselves. Regardless of each day, their responsibility is to ensure everyone’s safety and provide space for free expression.
Mayor Lurie revealed that more than half of the violent protesters arrested on the 8th were non-residents of San Francisco. He stressed that while demonstrators have the right to peacefully voice their demands, any crossing of lines to damage property, harm small business owners, or attack law enforcement personnel will result in immediate legal intervention and arrest.
The Mayor stated that close communication has been maintained with other counties, the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES), and the California Highway Patrol (CHP) to potentially deploy their law enforcement resources if necessary.
In anticipation of the large protest scheduled for Saturday, the San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) and various public safety departments of the city have been preparing vigilantly throughout the week. Acting Chief of Police, Paul Yep, disclosed that the police force is in communication with protest organizers to assist in facilitating peaceful protests while ensuring zero tolerance for violence and safeguarding the public.
Chief Yep once again assured the immigrant community that the San Francisco police are not responsible for federal immigration enforcement and encouraged anyone witnessing or experiencing a crime to confidently seek assistance from law enforcement.
San Francisco Sheriff Paul Miyamoto announced the readiness of their patrol cars and buses to transport offenders to jail. He emphasized that property destruction, physical attacks (including on federal law enforcement), constitute criminal acts and are not protected under the First Amendment.
He called on protesters to maintain peace, stating that their peaceful protests not only strengthen democracy but also showcase San Francisco’s stance and boundaries to the world.
San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins emphasized that there will be no leniency shown towards those involved in violent acts, attacking law enforcement, or inciting hate crimes.
Jenkins revealed that 147 individuals have been summoned for the June 8th incident to appear in court on July 3, and 89 individuals for the June 9th incident to appear in court from July 7 to 9, facing misdemeanor charges. Two individuals have been separately charged with felony obstruction of law and assaulting an officer, with one case undergoing preliminary hearing on June 12 and the other set for pretrial on July 14.
Jenkins specifically addressed the anti-Semitic graffiti and slogans such as “kill cops” that appeared in the Mission District on June 9, labeling such acts as utterly unacceptable. They vowed to identify those responsible and prosecute them for hate crimes involving property destruction and the use of anti-Semitic language.
Jorge Rivas, Executive Director of Immigrant Affairs at the Office of Civic Engagement and Immigrant Affairs (OCEIA), introduced various resources available for immigrants, including the San Francisco Immigrant Forum (sf.gov/immigrants), and the 24/7 San Francisco Rapid Response Network (Hotline: 415-200-1548).
Mary Ellen Carroll, Director of the Department of Emergency Management, informed residents that this weekend the department will fully activate an Emergency Operations Center, where public safety and infrastructure units will jointly monitor protest activities, 911 calls, EMS systems, and law enforcement resources as public safety indicators. It will provide unified, accurate, and real-time information to the public.
Additionally, the Department of Public Works will mobilize cleaning crews to offer free cleaning services.
The Department of Transportation will set up its command center to coordinate public transportation, with potential delays or route changes expected on multiple bus lines. Carroll advised individuals traveling to and from downtown on Saturday to allow extra time for potential delays and recommended checking 511.org or following @SFMTA_muni on social media for real-time traffic updates.