The district attorney’s office released a statement yesterday, addressing protests and “ICE-free zones.”
The release says the rights to peacefully protest, petition the government, and exercise free speech in public forums is a constitutional right they respect. “at the same time… activities that cross the line into violence and other criminal conduct are not,” the release says. “when protest activity becomes unlawful, it may result in arrest or prosecution.”
District attorney Dan Dow said: “I always support the rights of people to protest; however, I strongly urge them to do so safely within the limits of both federal and California law.”
The release then addresses questions regarding the concept of so-called “ICE-free zones.” These are symbolic “designations,” according to the release “and do not override federal jurisdiction.” Local and state governments do not have the authority to prohibit lawful federal enforcement activities.
