Sandoval County is ready to keep the peace Saturday, should a local variant of protests against the Trump presidency take place.
After a couple of speakers at Wednesday’s county commissioners meeting brought up “No Kings” protests scheduled for cities around the country, Commissioner Jordan Juarez asked staff whether such would be a problem locally.
County Manager Wayne Johnson said it’s unknown whether a protest will develop in Sandoval County, or to what extent problems could occur.
“Because you don’t really know (with) something like that, what the turnout will be, what the issues might be,” Johnson responded. “I will tell you that it’s already on our radar from a law enforcement perspective.”
Johnson said county officials encourage people to speak their minds and recognize a right to peaceful protest.
“That is the position of law enforcement and the county as far back as I can remember, and that hasn’t changed,” he said, adding that county officials will be monitoring the situation.
“It is not something that’s flown under the radar,” Johnson said. “To my knowledge, we certainly knew about it, and I’m sure most law enforcement agencies in the state are already aware.”
During the public comment period, Marijo Streetz castigated organizers of the event, saying they are offering what they call “up-to-date guidance and direct martial training.”
“The martial training equips you with tools for smooth and secure mobilization, covering tips on crowd management and incident response,” Streetz said. “Commissioners, the message is clear. This is an explosion of nothing short of riot training and execution.”
She then called on Sandoval County to prepare.
“I am holding each commissioner responsible for the conveyance to the citizens in your district,” Streetz said. “I am holding you, county manager, responsible for notifying and warning the other 32 counties in New Mexico. Chairman Meek, I am holding you responsible for activating the county sheriff’s department. The clerk’s office is responsible for placing an alert on the county website. There’s no room for complacency. This is your responsibility. There will be no reason for panic if you do your job.”
The 50501 Movement, which is behind the “No Kings” protests, says they are a stand against authoritarianism and Trump administration policies that enrich billionaires while depriving ordinary Americans of vital services.
“A core principle behind all No Kings events is a commitment to nonviolent action,” reads a message on the No Kings website. “We expect all participants to seek to de-escalate any potential confrontation with those who disagree with our values and to act lawfully at these events. Weapons of any kind, including those legally permitted, should not be brought to events.”
Commissioner Jon Herr said there have in recent years been “promises of certain uprisings over various topics,” and that local and state law enforcement were well-prepared for the possibility each time.
“Just the idea that we have an effective law enforcement and court system here in Sandoval County really was effective in keeping that at bay,” Herr said.
Also at the meeting, Commissioner Joshua Jones read a proclamation recognizing June 19 as the Juneteenth holiday, commemorating the day in 1865 when news of the Emancipation Proclamation reached Texas.
The proclamation recognizes Black leaders in New Mexico who have broken barriers and describes the county as a rich mosaic of culture, and calls the holiday “an enduring symbol of liberation and a reminder that the struggle for true equality must continue.”