(Jefferson City, MO) – Governor Mike Kehoe has declared a state of emergency ahead of Saturday’s statewide anti-immigration protests.
“We respect, and will defend, the right to peacefully protest, but we will not tolerate violence or lawlessness in our state,” Kehoe said in a written statement. “While other states may wait for chaos to ensue, the State of Missouri is taking a proactive approach in the event that assistance is needed to support local law enforcement in protecting our citizens and communities.”
The rallies, many of which will be led by the “No Kings” group, will protest President Trump’s crackdown on illegal immigrants in Los Angeles, which has sparked violent protests and rioting there. More than 30 pro-immigrant and anti-ICE rallies are scheduled Saturday across Missouri, including in St. Louis, Jefferson City, Maryville, St. Joseph, Kirksville, Kansas City, Joplin, Springfield, West Plains, Warrensburg, Marshall, Boonville, Columbia, Hermann, Union, Rolla, St. Francois, Cape Girardeau, Poplar Bluff, Hillsboro, Gray Summit, Ellisville, Ballwin, Missouri River Township, Sappington, St. Peters, Clinton, Lee’s Summit, Belton, and Farmington.
Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas’s Office said he is concerned with Kehoe’s National Guard activation.
“Mayor Lucas is concerned with enhanced state enforcement for one set of protesters, but no action or aid to local law enforcement when Noe-Nazis marched through Missouri’s urban streets. For those who do not act responsibly, the Mayor stands by the women and men of local law enforcement at KCPD and other agencies to handle any necessary enforcement actions. Unnecessary escalation from our nation’s capital and state capitols undermines local law enforcement and makes all less safe,” said Lucas’s office.
The state of emergency includes activating the Missouri National Guard, which the governor’s office calls a “precautionary measure.” Kehoe has also set up a Unified Command center that will coordinate responses by the National Guard, the Missouri State Highway Patrol, and the Department of Public Safety.
If National Guard members are mobilized, this story will be updated.
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