Sandoval County residents respond to No Kings protest

ALBUQUERQUE — Westside Albuquerque’s Mariposa Basin Park was flooded with people June 14, some leaking onto the street, for a nationwide movement to protest President Donald Trump. Sandoval County Democrats were mong the thousands of people participating.

Sandoval County Democrats Chair Gregory Bennett and others from the area set up a tent at the protest.

“It’s important to be here because we want to show our solidarity against President Trump and his people,” Bennett said in the heat that creeped toward 100 degrees.

The event drew in members of all ages and backgrounds. Rio Rancho High School Student Body President Aspen Ly, 16, of Rio Rancho, took the opportunity to invite young Democrats to join a local group she’s starting.

“I’m here to use my privilege to stand up for those who can’t,” she said.

She also said she was there to fight for the rights of her sister, who is in the military.

Beau Sandoval, who was a candidate for Sandoval County Commission in the 2024, said he was impressed with the diverse turnout. He said he was there to remind people “the government should work for regular, ordinary people and not the billionaires.”

“Right now, billionaires have never had it better, and working people have never been struggling more,” he said.

He made the example of students being “up to their eyeballs” in loan debt.

Not all Sandoval County residents were in support of the No Kings protest. A few public comments at a June 11 county commission meeting warned Sandoval County government about the protest.

John Veltri, a regular partaker in public comment at Sandoval County Commission meetings, expressed concern for sanctuary status in the county and immigration, which was a large topic at Saturday’s protest.

“Doesn’t matter if it’s in our city or county. We are a sanctuary state,” Veltri said.

He warned the commission about loss of federal funding if the county is indeed a sanctuary county.

“They (sanctuary cities and counties) protect criminals, not victims. Such a disgrace to the country, and we’re being mocked and laughed at,” he said.

He urged the commissioners and county manager to let “the powers that be” know if they disagree with the sanctuary ideology.

In an interview the week before, County Manager Wayne Johnson confirmed that the sanctuary status of Sandoval County was incorrect and that they were trying to resolve the issue with DHS.

Mary Joe Streets spoke more directly about the No Kings protest. She reminded the commission and Johnson of the county’s “duty to protect” citizens. Referring to the protest website, she warned the commission about the protest.

“The website touts a map of the United States covered with circles denoting activate cells of protest from east to west, north to south in New Mexico. Sandoval County is no exception,” she said at the meeting, held ahead of the protest. “The website is holding Zoom training this evening for the host role for the demonstration, which includes, and I quote, ‘up-to-date guidance and direct martial training.’ The martial training equips you with tools for smooth and secure mobilization, covering tips on crowd management and incidence response. The message is clear. This is an explosion of nothing short of riot training and execution. I am calling on Sandoval County to prepare.”

She said she would hold commissioners and the county manager responsible.

“There is no room for complacency. This is your responsibility. There will be no reason for panic if you do your job,” she said.

Another public comment participant, Rhonda Orchard, reminded the commission that June 14 is Flag Day, including history of the day.

“Will media cover the impressive clothes, decorations or music of this celebration? And what is the real purpose if not to highlight our once-great nation? In 1775, the Continental Congress voted and created the Continental Army as a response to the British enemy,” she said.

She asked about the true motives of the protest, rhetorically.

“What about masks and the standard they provide to hide and shield identities of cowards who destroy property and inflict harm on peace officers? Will infiltrators dawn masks this Saturday in protests around the country? I think so. The masks of Congress shall be ripped away, revealing the deception that legislates the way. So, if you find yourself in darkness, do not let it ruin your day. Instead, take a knee, humble yourself and pray. May God hear your petition heal our land and save the day. Peace,” she said.

In response to public comment, Sandoval County Commission Chair Mike Meek reassured that the county would watch for violence.

Johnson added to that, saying people have a right to share opinions as long as they don’t get violent.

Bennett, at the protest Saturday, said he observed a peaceful protest without incident.