Protest Erupts in Santa Ana Against ICE Raids and National Guard

News Summary

Around 300 protesters gathered in Santa Ana, voicing their dissent against mass immigration raids and the presence of the California National Guard. The demonstration, characterized by chants like “ICE out of OC,” saw diverse community members participating, many sharing personal stories related to immigration issues. Tensions escalated later in the evening, leading to clashes with police who deployed crowd control measures. Local businesses reported substantial declines in sales due to the fear instigated by the raids. This protest reflects the broader anxieties among immigrant communities regarding enforcement actions.

Santa Ana witnessed a significant gathering of around 300 protesters on Wednesday evening, expressing their opposition to ongoing mass immigration raids and the visible presence of the California National Guard. The peaceful demonstration began shortly after 6 p.m. outside the Ronald Reagan Federal Building and Courthouse, quickly swelling in numbers as individuals from diverse backgrounds joined in solidarity.

Participants actively voiced their dissent by chanting slogans such as “ICE out of OC” and “Trump out of OC,” while holding a variety of creative signs and waving both Mexican and American flags. Among the attendees was Navy veteran Jason Martinez, 28, who displayed an American flag adorned with the words “I’m More American.” Martinez shared that his own family was affected by immigration policies when his parents were deported in 2011. He joined the military in 2015, advocating for the idea that borders should not divide people.

Throughout the protest, several individuals took to megaphones to ensure the gathering remained peaceful. A heavy police presence was noted, with at least 15 officers from the Irvine Police Department in riot gear forming a perimeter around the area to maintain order. Protesters included individuals carrying various flags, including a Salvadorian flag and an American-Pride flag, illustrating the multifaceted backgrounds represented at the event.

David Vasquez, 28, who has a personal connection to the immigrant community through his mother’s experience as an undocumented agricultural worker, attended the rally to show his support. Kelsey Leach, 30, highlighted the need for peaceful protest as a fundamental right, criticizing the federal government’s handling of immigration enforcement. Support for the protesters was evident, as many passing cars honked in solidarity, adding to the gathering’s energized atmosphere.

Local business owners reported alarming declines in sales, with some experiencing up to a 90% drop in revenue attributed to the fear generated by the ICE raids and the National Guard’s presence in the city since Monday. Laura Diaz, the owner of a local restaurant, expressed her frustration over cancellations and the considerable impact the raids had on her business. Similarly, Jazmine Ruiz, who operates a nutrition business, voiced concern for her clients’ well-being amid the escalating tension within the community.

Traffic in Santa Ana was notably reduced, and shopping centers that are typically busy were largely empty, indicative of the pervasive atmosphere of fear related to the ongoing raids. The Santa Ana Unified School District acknowledged recent ICE activities in the Civic Center area and condemned the disruptions to the community.

U.S. officials confirmed the occurrence of ICE raids in Santa Ana, specifically targeting locations such as Home Depots and restaurants, resulting in the arrests of individuals who were perceived to be law-abiding. Concerns surrounding these enforcement actions were echoed by local representative Lou Correa, who commented on reports of unfair detentions and expressed his disbelief regarding the methods employed by ICE in the community.

However, as the protest escalated later in the evening, tensions flared, leading police to declare the assembly unlawful as a small number of demonstrators began throwing rocks and bottles. Law enforcement responded to the violence by deploying tear gas, pepper balls, and rubber bullets to disperse the crowd.

This protest is indicative of the broader ongoing fears and anxieties within immigrant communities, underscoring a call for peaceful resistance against perceived unjust immigration policies. Community resources were made available for individuals affected by the raids, highlighting the importance of awareness regarding their rights in the midst of these challenging circumstances.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Santa Ana Community Leaders Condemn ICE Raids Amid Protests
U.S. Attorney Warns Santa Ana Officials Over Immigration Policy
Santa Ana Man Fails to Appear for Animal Cruelty Charges
Protest for Animal Rights Turns Violent in Santa Ana

Additional Resources

• ABC7 News
• Google Search: Immigration raids Santa Ana
• OC Register
• Wikipedia: Immigration to the United States
• KTLA News
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Immigration