By Mary O’KEEFE

Although protests have been occurring throughout the nation, and specifically in a section of downtown Los Angeles, there has been a planned nationwide protest for Saturday called No Kings Day that will probably add to the protest lines. 

Indivisible is a progressive movement and organization that has organized thousands of protests ac ross the country. There are independent Indivisible groups throughout the nation. Due to the violence reported in the media concerning LA protests against the actions of ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) there may be some who are rethinking protesting; however, looking at the number of protests organized by Indivisible (available on the map at indivisble.org) just the opposite seems to be the case … and the local Indivisible group shows no signs of backing down from its beliefs. 

“Yes, our group has registered to protest in Pasadena at the intersections of Lake Avenue and Colorado Boulevard,” said Alan Dias, member of Northeast LA Indivisible. 

As of Monday, there were over 750 people registered for that protest; however, Dias pointed out that at their last big scheduled protest there were one thousand people registered and about four thousand people showed up. 

He emphasized that these protests are peaceful. 

“There is always a concern for [violence] but we [the Indivisible group] are defined as peaceful,” he said. 

During a recent press conference, Los Angeles Police Dept. Chief Jim McDonnell said the people who are acting violently wear hoodies and face coverings. 

“These are people who do this all the time,” he said. He added that many come from other places just to cause havoc.

LA Mayor Karen Bass said those who are perpetrating violence and looting are not in support of those protesting ICE actions. 

In an interview with media, Sheriff Robert Luna said that McDonnell requested assistance from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Dept. (LASD) two days ago. LASD sent well over one hundred deputies after that first request. Even more support came through mutual aid and the California Highway Patrol.  

Luna added there are some who are exercising their right to protest but he also warned those who would bring violence and looting to an event.

“We aren’t going to tolerate it,” he said. 

There has been a curfew set for Tuesday and Wednesday in LA from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. [As of press time the curfew had not been extended.] 

Luna advised everyone to go home and be off the streets during curfew.

“Unless you want a free night in jail, go home,” he said. 

The President has sent thousands of National Guard and U.S. Marines to LA.

“The Trump Administration has zero tolerance policy for criminal behavior and violence, especially when that violence is aimed at law enforcement officers trying to do their jobs. These criminals will be arrested and swiftly brought to justice,” according to a White House statement. 

Gov. Gavin Newsom and Mayor Bass, as well as  mayors throughout the LA area, have said there is no need for the military to help with the protests. Both McDonnell and Luna have shared their concerns over the deployment of the National Guard and U.S. Marines. 

Dias is certain the Indivisible protest will be peaceful – loud but peaceful. 

“With all the protests we have been involved in Pasadena with thousands of people there has never been a confrontation of any kind and we coordinate closely with the Pasadena Police Dept.,” he said. 

There will be No Kings Day protests all over the nation on Saturday, June 14 and throughout LA County. For a list of No King protests go to https://nokings.org.

Glendale’s No King protest is from noon to 2 p.m. at Glendale City Hall, 613 E. Broadway and the protest in Pasadena is from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Lake Avenue and Colorado Boulevard.