ATLANTA (WJBF) – Security measures are being intensified in Atlanta in preparation for expected protests this weekend, akin to the anti-ICE demonstrations in Los Angeles.

Georgia’s Attorney Chris Carr stated that Americans are entitled to protest peacefully, but individuals who vandalize property, loot businesses, or assault police officers will face prosecution.

Carr emphasized that protesters express themselves through words, whereas rioters resort to violence. Engaging in violence, he warned, may lead to charges of domestic terrorism, carrying a penalty of up to 35 years in prison.

The ACLU of Georgia says this Saturday, up to 5,000 Georgians are expected to protest at liberty plaza outside the state capitol for No Kings Day — for what they say is an abuse of the Trump administration’s power to first amendment rights.

“People who are out on the streets, who have signs, who have megaphones, are not rioters and are using their first amendment rights. We are seeing this happen to portray protesters as criminals is very problematic and we have concerns about that,” said Sarah Hunt-Blackwell, ACLU of Georgia.

Georgia Governor Brian Kemp says he is monitoring the situation and working with law enforcement agencies like the GBI and FBI to ensure public safety is protected.

“The freedom to dissent without fear of government retribution is a vital part of any well-functioning democracy. Protesters in Georgia have every right to call attention to the injustices by the Trump administration including its trampling of immigrant rights, drastic cuts to Medicaid, attacks on transgender people, and general disregard of democratic norms” said Christopher Bruce, Policy & Advocacy Director of the ACLU of Georgia.