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SAN DIEGO (KGTV) - President Donald Trump is visiting San Diego and Los Angeles on Tuesday to speak with military officials -- and likely catch a glimpse at samples for his long-promised border wall.
Trump has not visited California since he was sworn into office. Since then, he has criticized the state's enforcement of federal immigration laws and "sanctuary state" policies.
Last month, Trump criticized California's leaders and policies: "They're doing a lousy management job, they have the highest taxes in the nation and they don't know what's happening out there. Frankly it's a disgrace, the sanctuary city situation, the protection of these horrible criminals."
Trump's visit has been rumored for some time now and occurs a week after Attorney General Jeff Sessions visited Sacramento to announce a lawsuit against the state over immigration policies.
RELATED: Border wall: The current divide between the U.S. and Mexico
Gov. Jerry Brown said the lawsuit was the Trump administration's way of "going to war against the state of California."
WHEN AND WHERE...
President Trump arrived at MCAS Miramar about 11:15 a.m. He then traveled to Otay Mesa on Marine One.
Heading to see the BORDER WALL prototypes in California! pic.twitter.com/fU6Ukc271l
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 13, 2018
WHAT...
While at MCAS Miramar, Trump spoke with Marines and other service members. In Otay Mesa, Trump toured the eight constructed border wall prototypes for his long-promised border wall.
The president did not meet with Governor Brown, who sent a letter inviting Trump to the Central Valley to tour California's High-Speed Rail line under construction.
CLOSURES...
Officials cracked down on security in the Otay Mesa area ahead of the president's visit.
No parking zones were issued for the east side of Enrico Fermi Drive from Airway Rd. to Via De La Amistad, the north and south sides of Airway Rd., east of Enrico Fermi Dr. to Kellianne Way, Enrico Fermi Place from Enrico Fermi Dr. to Kellianne Way, and Siempre Viva Rd. east of Enrico Fermi Dr.
RELATED: Border wall prototype contractors stand out of spotlight while final build waits
Traffic was closed at Siempre Viva Rd. east of the CHP Inspection Facility driveway, Kellianne Way to Siempre Viva Rd., and Enrico Fermi Place from Enrico Fermi Dr. to Kellianne Way.
The restrictions will be in place until 9 a.m. March 16.
CLICK HERE FOR MAPS OF RESTRICTED AREAS
PROTESTS...
Demonstrators in support of and against the border wall gathered in the allowed zones around the Otay Mesa prototype zone.
A list of items was prohibited by likely demonstrators during the presidential visit in Otay Mesa, including any object that could be used as a weapon. Sheriff's deputies made anyone in possession of those items return them to their vehicles or dispose of them prior to entering the restricted area.
CLICK HERE FOR THE LIST OF PROHIBITED ITEMS
RELATED: Timeline: President Trump's border wall
Throughout the day, several rallies in support and against the president were held around San Diego.
CLICK HERE FOR A FULL RALLY SCHEDULE AND LOCATIONS
California’s sanctuary policies are illegal and unconstitutional and put the safety and security of our entire nation at risk. Thousands of dangerous & violent criminal aliens are released as a result of sanctuary policies, set free to prey on innocent Americans. THIS MUST STOP!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 13, 2018
The Democratic National Committee issued the following statement Tuesday morning ahead of President Trump's visit to California:
"President Trump should not expect a warm welcome when he touches down in California. Millions of Californians have already rejected the Trump administration and its efforts to slash funding for public education, cut taxes for the richest Americans, and strip health care from millions of Americans. Californians deserve a president who prioritizes creating good-paying jobs, expanding access to health care and increasing opportunities for hard-working families, not someone obsessed with spending $18 billion to fund an illogical and unnecessary border wall to the delight of the extreme right-wing voices of the Republican Party.
If that wasn't enough, Trump's arbitrary deadline for action on DACA has passed without any action. Immigrant youth are still waiting for a permanent legislative solution because Trump and Republicans have stood in the way of progress. Protecting these young immigrants strengthens our economy and families across the country - not building a wall. Democrats believe our diversity is our greatest strength and we will always fight for hardworking families and a smart, sensible immigration system."
President Trump left MCAS Miramar just before 3 p.m., flying to Los Angeles International Airport on Air Force One.
During his LA visit, he will visit a Santa Monica home, speak with Republican National Committee members, and stay in a downtown Los Angeles hotel.
The Trump visit briefly shut down I-405, Highway 101, and surface streets.
