As nationwide “No Kings” protests prepare to challenge President Donald Trump’s administration this Saturday, coinciding with a military parade and Flag Day, Florida officials are drawing a firm line against violence and the doxing of law enforcement, promising a stark contrast to recent unrest seen elsewhere.
Acting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Director Todd Lyons voiced grave concerns on a Friday podcast, fearing his agents could face violent attacks from “agitators” and “anarchists” who he believes will exploit the planned demonstrations.
“This is the perfect catalyst to jump on that,” Lyons warned on “VINCE,” expressing worry that “negative energy” fueled by anti-ICE rhetoric could be directed at his agents, potentially leading to fatalities.
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“They’re going to get somebody killed, right? It’s only a matter of time because, even with throwing a rock or a Molotov cocktail, you can still kill somebody, right?” Lyons said. “And it’s just this fired up rhetoric that’s going viral.”
However, Florida is sending a clear message: not here. Following violent incidents targeting federal immigration officers in California, Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier issued a forceful declaration Thursday, branding Florida “the anti-riot state” and a staunch supporter of law enforcement, unlike “California.”
“If the left doxes these agents, we will have their backs,” Uthmeier stated, referring to the publishing of personal information online. “Whether you make the poor choice to riot or publish an agent’s personal information online to bring harm, you are committing a crime in Florida. We will find you and hold you accountable.”
Local law enforcement echoed the sentiment. Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey distinguished between peaceful protest and violent acts, asserting, “if you let it turn violent, you’re gonna find out real quick what Brevard County is all about as the crap you see taking place in other parts of the country ain’t gonna happen here!!”
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Florida Highway Patrol Colonel Gary Howze reinforced the state’s tough stance, declaring, “The only sanctuaries in Florida are to protect animals, not criminals. Florida is not a sanctuary state.”
The “No Kings” protests, organized by the 50501 Movement – representing “50 states, 50 protests, one movement” – are slated for nearly 2,000 locations nationwide, notably avoiding Washington D.C. where the military parade celebrating the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary will take place.
While organizers anticipate millions of participants and stress a commitment to nonviolent action, law enforcement across the nation, and particularly in Florida, remains on high alert.
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