Three days after demonstrators closed streets in Escondido in a rally against the Trump administration’s ongoing immigration crackdown, law enforcement officials said they impounded nearly a dozen vehicles involved in what police said was an “otherwise peaceful protest.”
And more may be seized in coming days.
Escondido police announced Saturday that they impounded 11 different cars that were part of the demonstration that blocked traffic and endangered the public last Wednesday at the corner of Escondido Boulevard and Washington Avenue.
The San Diego Police Department and California Highway Patrol were also involved in the roundup of vehicles owned by residents from Escondido, Vista, San Marcos and San Diego.
Drivers of the cars created what police called a “street takeover” in which they drove dangerously in “donuts” and “burnouts,” police said.
“The Escondido Police Department and our law enforcement partners are committed to protecting the rights of individuals to express their views peacefully,” said Erik Witholt, the interim Escondido police chief.
“However, when drivers choose to block roadways, occupy intersections and commit other acts that pose a clear and present danger to attendees and the public, we will act to restore order and safety,” he said.
Additional cars have been identified and may be seized, Escondido police said in a statement.
Police said the seizures were ordered by a judge. Under the law, officials said, police can impound vehicles for 30 days in cases of reckless driving and other activities that endanger the public.
The demonstration last Wednesday stretched into the evening and put members of the public in danger, according to police. Demonstrations against Trump’s mass deportation effort have been held in cities across the country since he was sworn in as president.
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