Protesters barricaded themselves in San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria’s office, demanding police policies to shield the community from federal immigration agents.

SAN DIEGO — Several protesters barricaded themselves in San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria’s office at City Hall Friday for several hours until they were arrested at 5 p.m. 

The protesters said they want Mayor Gloria to work with San Diego Police to establish clear policies on how local law enforcement will protect the community from federal immigration agents. Protesters were chanting “Hey Todd, listen to your people” while they were barricaded on the 11th floor. 

“There needs to be a clear message and  directive to SDPD officers  on what they are to do and what they aren’t to do, just putting out a blanket ordinance is not enough,” said Tasha Williamson, a San Diego community organizer who was part of the protest, but was not arrested.

According to San Diego Police, a group of roughly 20 protesters arrived to the Mayor’s chambers around 10 a.m. Friday morning. This is not a space that’s open to the public, San Diego Police say. Police contacted protesters at 5p.m. to ask them to leave the building. Officers entered the barricaded room and arrested six protesters. 

“Our response will be directly connected to their reaction,” San Diego Police Officer Anthony Carrasco said to CBS 8 before the arrests. “We intend to be completely peaceful, it’s up to them to leave the building peacefully with us.”

 As people were arrested, Williamson spoke with multiple officers and repeatedly said “This is not January 6th,” in reference to when insurrectionists stormed the U.S. Capitol in 2021. 

In a press release minutes before the arrest, Gloria called the conduct “unacceptable” and said his staff met with this group last week about their concerns related to ICE activity and local law enforcement’s role. 

“I have been unequivocal and public about where I stand on their issue,” Gloria said. “In my State of the City address last week, and through the executive order I signed in July, I made it clear that the San Diego Police Department does not participate in federal immigration enforcement. That policy is in writing, it is enforced, and it is exactly what these protesters are asking for.”

Williamson said the ordinance is not enough. The officers need clear direction. 

Following the arrests, San Diego Police made it clear that they do not cooperate with federal ICE agents. 

“SB 54 does not allow us to share information with ICE,” said Captain Ryan Hallahan. “We are not ICE. We do not have anything to do with ICE. We’re law enforcement. We keep the peace.”

In a press conference after the arrests, a spokesperson with San Diego Police said the protesters would be charged with trespassing and possibly vandalism. The vandalism charge will depend on what Gloria’s staff members find in the chambers when they return.

Outside of the press conference, Williamson continued to protest with others not arrested. 

“These people were civil, they sat here for hours,” she said.

At the trolley station outside of City Hall, protesters demanded the activists arrested be released. 

“Hey Todd, listen to your people,” they continued to chant outside of City Hall at the trolley station.Â