Sheriff Bianco Responds to LA Protest Support as “No Kings” Rallies Planned in Coachella Valley

Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco is criticizing state and Los Angeles city leaders for their handling of last week’s demonstrations tied to immigration enforcement. In a phone interview, Bianco confirmed that more than 100 deputies from Riverside County were sent to Los Angeles over the weekend as part of a routine mutual aid response.

“When Los Angeles is overwhelmed, they exhaust local and regional resources before requesting help from state partners,” said Bianco. “That’s when Riverside County steps in. It’s a routine process that happens across California all the time.”

Bianco emphasized that his department is not involved in any Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations within Riverside County. He said his team is preparing for peaceful demonstrations expected this weekend, including the nationwide “No Kings” rallies.

The rallies are being organized in cities across the country, including Palm Springs, Cathedral City, and Rancho Mirage. Emily Vote, co-coordinator of the Palm Springs event, said over 1,200 people have registered for the protest, which is timed to coincide with a military parade celebrating the Army’s 200th anniversary and the birthday of former President Trump.

“He shouldn’t be throwing himself a parade while cutting care for veterans,” Vote said.

Organizers and police are working together to ensure the events remain safe and peaceful. Local departments are encouraging compliance with regulations, including a request that protest signs not have sticks or poles that could be used as weapons.

“Our goal is to keep everyone safe, not stop the demonstrations,” said one organizer. “We’ve been in regular communication with law enforcement in every city where these events are planned.”

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