Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier is cautioning against potential riots as immigration protests unfold nationwide amidst Trump’s immigration crackdown.
Immigration enforcement officials joined Uthmeier to discuss the consequences of protests turning violent.
Uthmeier said Florida enacted a law against rioting five years ago, and that anyone who engages in such behavior will do time.
"We are not California, we do not allow rioting in Florida," Uthmeier said.
According to the statutes and constitution , a person who commits a riot commits a felony of the third degree.
Uthmeier also said ICE agents have been targeted through "doxing," a practice that involves the disclosure of personal and family information as a form of retaliation.
"We're not going to tolerate that in Florida," Uthmeier said. "If we find you doing that, we will hold you accountable."
Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey said peaceful protests are part of democracy, and people are invited to express their opinions.
However, he said blocking intersections, cars, or spitting at officers during a protest would result in jail time.
"If you throw a brick, a firebomb, or point a gun at one of our deputies, we will be notifying your family where to collect your remains because we will kill you," Sheriff Ivey said.
Ivey said that those consequences can be avoided if the law is obeyed.
On Wednesday, Gov. Ron DeSantis also spoke against rioting in Florida. He called the protests in Los Angeles over ICE raids "a farce."
The DeLand Police Department released a statement on Thursday stating they are aware of a planned demonstration called the "No Kings Protest," scheduled to take place in Downtown DeLand on Saturday in response to the recent ICE raids.
DPD said they are fully prepared to respond to any incidents of unrest or unlawful behavior that may occur.
"Our goal is to support lawful First Amendment activity while ensuring that public safety is preserved for all residents, visitors, and businesses," said Deputy Chief Adam Kisthardt. "We are working proactively to maintain a safe and respectful environment for everyone involved."
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