Four people charged with barricading themselves outside San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria’s office earlier this year were granted misdemeanor diversion by a judge this week, which could result in the eventual dismissal of their criminal cases.
They were among six people arrested on Jan. 23 after police responded to City Hall for reports of a collection of protesters who were in the lobby outside Gloria’s office. Police said the group “began to kick doors as they demanded to speak to the mayor,” who was not present at the time. The group then barricaded themselves with various items such as flag poles and furniture.
The protesters who entered the City Administration Building around 10 a.m. called the action a “sit-in” and were demanding that San Diego stop cooperating with Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations. The mayor, both in an executive order and in policy speeches, had previously stated that the city does not participate in federal immigration enforcement.
A number of the protesters left after police issued an order to disperse, according to the San Diego Police Department, while those who remained were arrested.
Court records indicate four of the six people arrested were granted diversion on Monday, which means criminal proceedings are suspended and their cases could be dismissed at a later time if they abide by all terms of diversion. Minute orders from Monday’s hearings did not detail what the diversion conditions are, though typical conditions include avoiding new arrests and performing community service.
Protesters inside the San Diego Mayor’s Office.
A City Attorney’s Office spokesperson declined to comment on the diversion decisions, but court documents indicate each grant of diversion was made over the prosecution’s objections. All four who were granted diversion are due back in court next year for a review hearing.
The two other people arrested at City Hall remain charged with misdemeanor counts of trespassing.
The protesters who gathered on Jan. 23 reportedly sought to discuss the city’s policies regarding San Diego police interactions with federal immigration enforcement officers.
Gloria said in a statement issued on the day of the protest that per an executive order he signed last year, “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.”