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Following vandalism earlier this week, National Guard and concrete barricades surrounding the Ronald Reagan Federal Building and the courthouse in downtown Santa Ana are currently surrounding the Ronald Reagan Federal Building and the courthouse.
Additional security is intended to stop further damage, but creates unexpected challenges for nearby businesses.
As of Friday, a soldier in uniform was standing outside the courthouse. The wooden board still covers some of the building’s windows after being targeted during the demonstration. Law enforcement says there is a need for an increase in presence, but business owners say the sight of the streets cut off with the military personnel is driving away customers.
“Fridays are usually our busiest day,” said an employee at a local restaurant. “But today there are a lot of empty tables. People are scared because of the closure and the troops there. They don’t want to come here.”
From the storefront across the street, she described the atmosphere as “overwhelming” and added, “It’s crazy to go outside and see the troops in front of you.”
The Federal Building was one of several sites in Orange County amid a rise in tension over recent immigration enforcement measures. The protest remains mostly peaceful, but some incidents of property damage urged a stronger response from the authorities.
Earlier this week in Anaheim, protests were declared illegal councils near Angel Stadium and Disneyland, but police reported that the crowd ultimately disbanded without arrest.
Back in Santa Ana, police say 16 people have been arrested since demonstrations began earlier in the week. Officials have not specified how long the National Guard will be stationed outside the courthouse.
While many residents support measures to prevent further vandalism, others question whether the presence of heavy security will send the wrong message or create more anxiety in an already tense environment.
As Santa Ana continues to navigate the balance between public safety and civil expression, businesses want more peaceful days and return to normal pedestrians.
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