Protesters marched early February 9 to the city of Orange’s Old Town Plaza Circle against President Donald Trump’s anti immigration policy. This comes as Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) began sweeping raids and arrests across the country late last month. Protests also emerged earlier today (Feb 9) in downtown Fullerton on the corner of Harbor and Orangethrope. 

Latinos from across Orange County gathered at 10am in a mass community demonstration between Chapman and Tustin Ave. Orange City Police officers met with protesters shortly after in solidarity with the march. Organizers and members of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) and The Party for Socialism and Liberation (PSL) came in support of the gathering. Neither organization was affiliated with organizing the march. 

Latino community organizers urged Trump to reverse his mass deportation policy. Meanwhile, Orange city organizers asked their city officials to prevent ICE from conducting raids within their communities. Huntington Beach announced they will be working with ICE to detain illegal immigrants within the city. Anaheim mayor Ashleigh Atkins alongside Irvine and Fullerton have pledged to amend California’s sanctuary immigration laws. Santa Ana remains the only city in Orange County with sanctuary status.

Cuban Americans held a booth informing protesters and asking for an end to the U.S. embargo on Cuba. Pro Palestinian groups also marched in solidarity with the protesters. The crowd proudly shouted “from the river to the sea, immigrants should be free” as they marched towards the city’s historic district early afternoon.

Several individuals criticized Orange County Representatives Derek Tran (CA-45) and David Min (CA-47) for voting in favor of the Laken Riley Act. The law would allow for the Department of Homeland Security to detain illegal immigrants accused, convicted, or arrested of crimes, including petty theft, with financial harm of over one-hundred dollars. 

In regards to his support of the bill, Derek Tran said:

“My neighbors’ concerns on issues of public safety and immigration reform are my concerns, too. That’s why one of my first votes in Congress was in support of the Laken Riley Act. I voted to ensure that those committing crimes, no matter their immigration status, are held to a standard of justice under the law – including individuals who assault law enforcement officers or violently harm others.”

Orange County residents claim the Laken Riley Act will allow for the unjust profiling of Latin Americans. Civil rights groups have also claimed the bill will undermine the Due Process Clause of the 14th Amendment. The Laken Riley Act allows Attorney State Generals to forcibly detain immigrants — without bond or parole — regardless of whether or not they were convicted of such crimes. The bill passed with bipartisan support.

The march saw immense support from the community, with drivers and passersby waving and chanting alongside the protesters. Vendors and business owners also came in support of the movement. By 1pm, hundreds of demonstrators took over the city circle. Additionally, nearby customers quickly joined the protesters as they marched back. There were no official arrests or disturbances reported.