Opinion: Twin Falls Protest ‘Safety Crew’ Might Need Back Up

If you happened to pass by the North Five Points intersection in Twin Falls on Saturday morning, you probably noticed the group of protestors had returned to the Boot Barn parking lot.

I arrived shortly after 10 A.M. to start setting up for a work event. I parked my car and entered one of the businesses in the plaza. By the time I returned to the work vehicle, I was completely surrounded by signs stating various political messages.

One individual who looked to be in his early twenties approached me as I was continuing the set-up process.

'Are you organizing this?', I asked.

'Yes. I'm part of the safety staff', he replied.

I thanked him and informed him that I'd be playing some music and parking there for approximately two hours. There was one other guy in a yellow vest that was assisting him who appeared to be around the same age.

Twin Falls Protests Close To Getting Out Of Hand At Times

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For the most part, the gathering was peaceful. I spent about 90 minutes between fulfilling work duties walking around the parking lot and chatting with motorists and pedestrians; people were very curious about what I was doing.

READ MORE: Twin Falls County Sheriff Comments On ID Immigration Protests

I witnessed a great deal of back-and-forth shouting as several motorists yelled stuff like 'Get a f$#@$ life!' It appeared a couple of motorists were close to the point of exiting their vehicles; more than one middle finger was thrown up during the gathering as well.

Some were protesting against the recent practices of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), some were defending President Donald Trump, and others were voicing their frustrations with the man.

I did see Twin Falls Police cruising up and down Blue Lakes Boulevard a few times, but no law enforcement entered the parking lot while I was there.

Should protesters be given additional support while assembling at locations throughout Twin Falls in case things get out of hand?