John Bacon, and Jefferson Graham

USA TODAY

ANAHEIM, Calif. - A few dozen people protested outside a Donald Trump appearance Wednesday, one day after a demonstration outside a New Mexico event exploded in chaos as protesters trampled barricades, hurled bottles and burned Trump gear.

Police on horses, cars and motorcycles were in force to prevent against riots in Anaheim, where protesters brought a pinata in Trump's likeness and smashed it while chanting anti-Trump profanity.

Pro-Trump supporters were also on hand, but seemingly out-flanked by the opposition, as most were inside the convention center to hear the presidential candidate speak.

No official estimates were given to the size of the crowd, but it was easily 300-400 people.

Anaheim Police Chief Raul Quezada earlier promised "swift and decisive action" if violence flared outside the Anaheim Convention Center.

“While we recognize and respect the First Amendment rights of all individuals to express their viewpoints and protest peacefully, we will not tolerate violence or disobedience of the law during the upcoming rally in Anaheim," Quezada said.

A heavy police presence greeted the protesters, including scores of officers, some on horseback. Sgt. Daron Wyatt, spokesman for the department, said the police presence for the Anaheim event was much larger than the Albuquerque rally. He said the protest was under control.

Quezada warned protesters could face arrest if found blocking sidewalks, interfering with vehicular and pedestrian traffic or "directly advocating violence or imminent lawless activity."

“Everyone has the right to participate without fear of violence or disorder, and we are prepared to take swift and decisive enforcement action should it become necessary," he said.

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The Albuquerque unrest, the latest in a series of sometimes chaotic protests inside and outside Trump events across the nation, drew thousands of Trump supporters inside the city's convention center.

Hundreds of far less enamored citizens made a statement outside. Protest banners included “I am not a rapist or a drug dealer" and "Women are the silent majority: We do not stand with Trump." The protesters, some hurling objects, chanted “Walk of shame!” at Trump supporters along a sidewalk that leads to the center.

Police in riot gear fired smoke grenades to quell the disturbance, and several officers were injured. Police re-established the barricades and stopped most of the protesters outside the building. But some eluded security and made it inside, and several were dragged out after repeatedly trying to interrupt Trump.

“They’re Bernie Sanders supporters," Trump said, adding many Sanders supporters would vote Trump in the November election. Trump was typically dismissive of many of the demonstrators, repeating his common refrain that they should "go home to their mommas."

His Twitter review of the protesters outside also was blunt.

"The protesters in New Mexico were thugs who were flying the Mexican flag," Trump tweeted. "The rally inside was big and beautiful, but outside, criminals!"