Orange County residents joined a nationwide wave of protests Friday,spurred by recent federal agent killings in Minnesota and fueled by local concerns about immigration enforcement. Demonstrations unfolded across the county, from santa Ana to Anaheim and Villa Park, as participants walked out of work and school and curtailed spending in a show of solidarity.
“ICE Out” Movement Gains Momentum in Southern California
Protests erupted across Orange County as part of a national day of action responding to federal killings and ICE activity.
- Demonstrations where held in Santa Ana, anaheim, and Villa Park
- Protesters expressed support for those in Minnesota and focused on local ICE/Border Patrol operations.
- Businesses participated by closing temporarily or donating to related causes.
- A vigil for Alex Pretti was scheduled in Orange.
boycotts, walkouts, and demonstrations to raise awareness and demand change.
In Santa Ana, where temperatures climbed close to 90 degrees, protesters began marching through city streets at 2 p.m. Bryson Ray, a resident of Costa Mesa, emphasized the city’s diverse character.”Santa Ana is a major hub for Mexican-Americans and all sorts of different people. It’s a melting pot,” he said.
Many demonstrators expressed support for those protesting in Minnesota while also focusing on ICE and Border Patrol operations within their own communities. Ray shared a personal connection to the cause, stating, “I’m mainly supporting my homie, Uriel Ortiz.He’s currently in juarez right now. Got deported.”
Elsewhere in Orange County, a march in Anaheim was spearheaded by a high school student. Luks, of LUCHA Anaheim, declared, “We’re hear to fight back and to show that we’re not going to sit here silent and afraid.”
The national day of action included a call to abstain from spending money.several businesses in downtown Santa Ana temporarily closed their doors, while others opted to remain open and contribute financially to related causes. Angels Flowers, for example, pledged to donate 50% of Friday’s sales to Orange County’s Rapid Response network.
Jocelyne Deluna, a shopper from Aliso Viejo, explained her decision to patronize businesses supporting the cause. “I do understand businesses that do need to stay open as they’re a small business,because they wouldn’t be able to,but along with that,they’re staying open,and they’re donating to the causes that help during these specific times,” she said.
A vigil for Alex Pretti was scheduled for Friday evening at the historic Old Orange County Courthouse.
