Puerto Rico: Anti-statehood activists and politicians to hold protest march Aug. 15 in San Juan

Event

A coalition of political parties and organizations aligned against statehood for Puerto Rico plan to stage a march in San Juan on Aug. 15 to protest the territory's current push for admission as a new US state. Participants will assemble at Munoz Rivera Park at 10:00 before marching to the North Plaza of the Capitol building, where they will hold a rally. Activists in the cities of Ponce and Mayaguez will reportedly hold similar activities, although the day's main focus will be the march in San Juan.

Context

The push for statehood in Puerto Rico has gained new steam in recent years following two plebiscites in 2017 and 2020 that both resulted in voters opting for statehood. However, anti-statehood politicians and the US government have noted that the referenda were marked by low participation and/or were problematically worded. Officials in Washington have shown little inclination to take up the matter. As such, little concrete movement is likely in the long term with regard to Puerto Rico's status.

Advice

Avoid the area of the protest march Aug. 15. Allow extra time to reach in the general vicinity as the demonstration is taking place.