Protests and riots like those in Las Angeles protesting President Trump’s stand on immigration are expected to spread across the country, but officials in Georgia are sending a message that while Americans have the right to peacefully protest, no American has the right to destroy property, loot businesses, or attack law enforcement officers.

That message came loud and clear Wednesday from Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr, and he issued a warning that any violence erupting from protests will result in a charge of domestic terrorism, which carries a penalty of 5-35 years in prison.

Carr said, “We will defend the right to peacefully protests, but we will not hesitate to bring domestic terrorism charges for those who earn it. It's very simple. Protesters use words; rioters use violence. There is no gray area. We are not California or New York. We are Georgia. We don't make excuses for criminals here. We prosecute them."

Like Georgia Attorney General Carr, the Georgia Department of Public Safety is endorsing the right to protest, but not potential criminal behavior, and will be deploying addition resources this weekend to areas identified as most vulnerable to disturbances.

Candler County Emergency Management Agency Director Justin Wells says it is expected for such a protest to be held in Metter, and Candler County law enforcement will be monitoring the event to maintain normal community functions.

Local Georgia Representative Leesa Hagan issued a post Wednesday stating that while she supports the right to protest, violence and destruction is a different thing. In the last Georgia General Assembly, Rep. Hagan voted in the affirmative to make it a felony to burn a police vehicle and said she believes the protests that are escalating to riot situations are part of a broader, dangerous movement demanding that immigration laws be ignored. She goes on to say that President Trump campaigned on restoring law and order, and that is what he is doing.