ANTI-TRUMP FORCES PLANNING PEACEFUL PROTEST OUTSIDE TRUMP RALLY IN FRESNO



Anti-trump forces said they are planning peaceful protests when Donald Trump arrives in Fresno on Friday. (KFSN)

By Gene Haagenson
Wednesday, May 25, 2016 05:53PM

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) --

Anti-trump forces said they are planning peaceful protests when Donald Trump arrives in Fresno on Friday. But Fresno police said they will also be ready.

Trump will attend a rally at Selland Arena on Friday morning. It's likely to mean traffic tie- ups in the downtown area and M Street between Inyo and Ventura will be closed starting Thursday night.

Trump's visit to other cities has generated anger and violence. Fresno police will have nearly 100 officers on duty, and hoping things don't get out of hand.

"Obviously, we are prepared for it, but we don't think it's going to happen. It's a daytime event, it's a morning event, most of the violence occurs after darkness, but we will be prepared for illegal activity," said Capt. Andy Hall, Fresno Police Department.

Groups planning anti-Trump protests are organizing on social media. Eddie Garcia Mejia said his group has attracted several hundred followers and they plan a peaceful demonstration.


"We are asking people to bring flags, US flags, and signs. Not to bring stuff that will start violence."

Mejia said it's Trumps anti-immigrant policies that are motivating his group's protest.

"But when he says he is going to deport so many people, it's really sad. And that's when people are getting really upset about that, and it hurts a lot of families, their dad is going to get deported, their mom, and these are hardworking people. So that's' what's getting this started."

For Trump supporter and delegate Mike Der Manouel, the visit is a big deal for everyone in the Valley.

"I think anytime a presidential candidate comes to our area. It's good whether it's a Democrat or Republican because Fresno and the Central Valley is a very ignored part of the country."

And Der Manouel said he hopes Trumps plans to meet with local farm leaders, will put the focus on the Valley's water needs.

"Whether we have a wall or a rational immigration policy is meaningless if we don't have a stable water supply for Ag."

Der Manouel isn't sure how many Trump supporters will turn out, but he believes if anti-Trump folks get nasty it will only help Trump.

Tickets for the Trump event are free and available on the Trump website.

http://abc30.com/society/anti-trump-...resno/1356120/