Several hundred people gathered on the steps of the Imperial Valley Courthouse in a peaceful protest.

The event , organized by the Imperial Valley Social Justice League and the local Black Lives Matter groups , was a peaceful affair that lasted about two hours. The rally was held to deal with the recent death of George Floyd in Minneapolis and the deaths of other people of color at the hands of law enforcement officers. Prior to the event there was some confusion as an apparent hacker sent out a notice Monday morning that the event had been cancelled. There were also rampant rumors throughout the day as internet trolls reported busloads of violent protesters would be arriving in the Valley. There was even a report of pallets of bricks ready for demonstrators. Walmart barricaded two of their three main entrances and limited customers entering the store. Target closed early. Several downtown El Centro businesses boarded up windows as a precaution. Law enforcement presence at the rally was minimal but officers from several agencies were staged a few blocks away from the courthouse. Local organizers however were able to control a peaceful group that encouraged the community to come together to fight racism. The rally broke up about 8:15 p.m. with no apparent incidents reported.