THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE RALLIED and marched through San Francisco’s Mission District on Monday evening to protest the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown, but some protesters were met by police near the Civic Center who told them to disperse as the main march wound down.
The march ended peacefully around dusk, though some protesters moved along Market Street, where they were met by police at Market and Fell streets, who told them they were unlawfully assembling.
“Tonight’s protest was larger than last night and significantly calmer,” said Mayor Daniel Lurie in a statement posted on social media just after midnight on Tuesday. “Yesterday, we sent a clear message that we will always protect the right to protest peacefully, but we cannot tolerate violent behavior. That message was heard.”
The march began around 6 p.m. at Mission Street and 24th Street.
Shouting “Whose streets? Our streets!” and carrying signs and banners reading things like “No hate. No fear. Immigrants are welcome here,” the crowd moved up Mission Street to the sound of chants and drumbeats.
At 10:30 p.m., Muni streetcars along Market were holding due to police activity, the agency said.
Authorities said officers carried out targeted detentions and arrests for protesters who turned violent. Police did not immediately specify how many arrests were made or the nature of the alleged crimes but said law enforcement was focused on those involved in criminal acts rather than peaceful demonstrators.
“I understand why people are out in the streets, and I know there is fear in our communities. As mayor, I will always ensure we protect your right to protest peacefully — and your right to be safe,” said Lurie.
“Violence directed at law enforcement or public servants is never acceptable.”
Mayor Daniel Lurie
The mayor, who reportedly spent the evening at the Emergency Operations Center, said city officials had been in touch throughout the day with protest organizers.
“I am grateful for their leadership and their commitment to keeping tonight’s activities largely peaceful,” Lurie said.
On Sunday, an anti-ICE demonstration in San Francisco ended in violent unrest between protesters and police, resulting in two injured officers, vandalized Muni buses, broken store windows, and around 150 arrests. The rally, which drew about 400 people, was largely peaceful before some protesters, including juveniles, became violent, according to authorities.
Lurie had condemned Sunday’s violence and emphasized that everyone “has a right to make their voice heard peacefully” but authorities “will never tolerate violent and destructive behavior.”
“Violence directed at law enforcement or public servants is never acceptable,” he said.
Lurie and city officials announced preparations for more protests after police arrested 148 people Sunday night when an anti-ICE demonstration turned violent on city streets.
Note to readers: This story has been updated to include new developments, including more details about the reported arrests as well as statements from the city mayor.