Hundreds of people gathered outside the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) center in Los Angeles, demanding “sanctuary ordinances in every city.”
The rally, organized by the Humane Immigrant Rights Coalition, included a 1.5-mile march from the city's famous Olvera Street to a nearby ICE detention center. The rally was held to commemorate International Day of Migrants, a protest against President-elect Donald Trump's mass deportation plans.
“[We want] Enact sanctuary ordinances in every city,” event organizers said.
San Jose resident Flor Martinez Zaragoza, who identifies herself as a Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipient, said there is fear in her community.
“There is a lot of uncertainty and a lot of fear in the community,” Zaragoza said. told reporters.
Immigrant rights supporters hold signs before marching to an ICE detention center on International Immigration Day in Los Angeles, California, December 18, 2024. (Tama Mario/Getty Images)
“[My goal is] Not only in solidarity, but my own rights as an illegal alien and DACA holder are at stake,” she added. “I'm not afraid, but I know a lot of people who are. I'm here to show them they're not alone. Some people will fight back.”
Democratic mayors in the United States have already pledged to oppose Trump's deportation plan in some way.
“More than we have, [Denver Police Department] If you station them at the county line to keep them out, you're going to have 50,000 Denver residents there,” said Democratic Denver Mayor Mike Johnston.
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“It's like Tiananmen Square with roses and guns, right? So were all the Highland mothers who came for immigration. And you don't want to mess with them.”
After intense backlash from Republicans, including Trump's next border chief, the mayor walked Retracting his comments, the city of Denver made it clear that while encouraging voters to protest, it would only not cooperate with federal law enforcement.
