Jefferson City, Missouri – June 16, 2025
Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe has declared a state of emergency and activated the Missouri National Guard, citing concerns over possible civil unrest linked to upcoming protests against federal immigration policies. However, opposition leaders and civil rights groups argue that the move is unnecessary, calling it an attempt to intimidate peaceful demonstrators.
Governor’s Justification
Kehoe defended his decision, stating that the executive order is a precautionary measure to ensure law enforcement has support if protests turn violent. He emphasized that Missouri will not wait for chaos to unfold before taking action, insisting that the state must remain proactive in handling large-scale demonstrations.
Criticism and Opposition
Despite Kehoe’s justification, several voices across Missouri argue that the emergency declaration is overreach:
No Reports of Violence: Demonstrations in St. Louis and Kansas City have remained peaceful, leading critics to question the necessity of deploying the Missouri National Guard.
ACLU Condemnation: The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) called the governor’s decision an unwarranted provocation, stating that it undermines First Amendment rights and sets a troubling precedent for protest suppression.
Political Pushback: Missouri House Minority Leader Ashley Aune described the move as authoritarian and warned that it could escalate tensions rather than prevent unrest.
Kansas City Mayor’s Concerns: Mayor Quinton Lucas criticized Kehoe’s focus on cracking down on immigration protesters, while failing to address Neo-Nazi marches that have taken place in Missouri without police intervention.
What Happens Next?
With protests expected to continue, tensions are high between activists and the state government. Civil rights organizations have vowed to closely monitor law enforcement actions, fearing the emergency order could lead to over-policing and suppression of dissent. Meanwhile, protest organizers insist their demonstrations will remain peaceful but firm in calling for immigration reform.
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