TOMS RIVER, N.J. — A group of roughly 30 protesters gathered along Water Street in downtown Toms River Tuesday morning, opposing President Donald Trump’s deployment of military personnel in California following violent clashes between demonstrators and law enforcement.
The protest, made up largely of older individuals, began around midmorning. Chants of what initially sounded like “Donald Trump Orders Chicken town” were later clarified by participants as “Donald Trump always Chickens Out.” The group stood single file along the sidewalk in light rain.
The demonstration came in response to federal orders deploying U.S. soldiers and Marines to parts of California after reports of attacks on police officers and ICE agents during left-wing demonstrations earlier this week. No violent incidents were reported in Toms River during Tuesday’s event.
By noon, the steady rainfall prompted the crowd to disperse. Several participants folded signs and left the area without incident. Police maintained a light presence nearby but did not intervene.
One protester acknowledged, “Some of the members admitted to being paid to be there,” though no further details were provided and no affiliations were identified.
Protest ends peacefully amid rain
The brief demonstration remained non-confrontational throughout, with no counter-protests or disruptions reported. The event marked the first local reaction in Toms River to the escalating unrest on the West Coast.
City officials declined to comment on the gathering. Local businesses along the street remained open throughout the protest, with little disruption to normal foot traffic.
The number of demonstrators had shrunk by the time the rain intensified. By early afternoon, Water Street had returned to its usual pace.
A sparse, quiet protest in Ocean County added a remote voice to a growing national controversy.
