Protesters nationwide and in Missouri are marching Saturday – some to oppose President Donald Trump’s immigration enforcement measures.
Recent pro-immigrant and anti-ICE rallies in Los Angeles have led to violence and riots. Trump responded by federalizing and deploying 4,000 California National Guard members and U.S. Marines to the city, sparking a territory battle with Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom.
Many of Saturday’s protests in Missouri are using “No Kings” in their title. But Sue Rodgers, with “We Stand United Missouri,” said her group’s “No Kings Day Rally” at the state Capitol has a different focus.
“We are not connected to Los Angeles at all,” said Rodgers. “We are a small independent group around Jefferson City, Boone County, Clark County, who’s done three other rallies at the Capitol talking about supporting democracy and the rule of law, and here’s how you can call your congressman.”
Rodgers said her group has the permit to host the rally.
“I mean the ICE activity, it’s very, it’s very disheartening and very disturbing on the news, but it we don’t have any connection with that,” she said.
She said June 14 was chosen months ago for the group’s rally because members wanted to counter Trump’s parade in Washington, D.C. and because it is Flag Day.
How does her group plan to handle anyone who could attempt to disrupt her event?
“We do have people in yellow vests. We’ve gone through the de-escalation conversations. If somebody starts yelling profanity, Byron will crank the music way up. Some of the people will take their own signs and just go stand in front of the other signs,” said Rodgers.
Gov. Mike Kehoe has activated the Missouri National Guard, in case members need to be mobilized to help with safety concerns at the more than 30 rallies planned statewide.
Missouri’s rallies are planned in St. Louis, Jefferson City, Maryville, St. Joseph, Kirksville, Kansas City, Joplin, Springfield, West Plains, Warrensburg, Marshall, Boonville, Columbia, Hermann, Union, Rolla, St. Francois, Cape Girardeau, Poplar Bluff, Hillsboro, Gray Summit, Ellisville, Ballwin, Missouri River Township, Sappington, St. Peters, Clinton, Lee’s Summit, Belton, and Farmington.
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