SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — Hundreds of protestors were seen gathering at Waterfront Park in downtown San Diego on Saturday morning, a demonstration that organizers say is aimed at “defending constitutional protections and due process rights.”
Called “Not On Our Watch,” the event was organized by a citizen-led group known as 50501 San Diego. This is the local branch of a nationwide movement that intends to lead 50 protests in 50 states. Group leaders said the demonstration was expected to remain peaceful, noting online that “violence of any kind will not be tolerated.”
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Nonetheless, a row of motorcycle officers from the San Diego Police Department were seen lining the street near N Harbor Drive and W Ash Street around 10:15 a.m.
The gathering fell on April 19, a date organizers explained marks a symbolic connection to the 250th anniversary of the Battle of Lexington and Concord—the spark that ignited the American Revolutionary War in 1775.
“Just as early Americans stood against British overreach and restrictions on liberty, participants in this event aim to highlight concerns about executive actions that they believe bypass constitutional safeguards,” organizers noted in a press release detailing the event.
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During a noon march from Waterfront Park to the Gaslamp District, the protestors addressed “issues related to the detention and deportation of immigrants without proper due process,” as well as concerns around certain judicial orders and what they believe are “threats to free speech rights.”
Before the march, remarks were delivered from local activists and advocates. There was also an open mic session for community members to share personal stories and reflections…