Thousands march in anti-ICE protests across Bay Area

SAN FRANCISCO - People across the Bay Area took to the streets on Friday during what's been billed as a national day of action to protest the action of federal immigration officers following the deaths of two people in Minnesota. In many instances, it was students who led the way.

Local perspective:

Teens and others protested and picketed in cities from San Jose to San Mateo, from Oakland to San Francisco, from San Leandro to San Rafael. 

"We are doing this to show a shared interest, a shared passion for keeping ICE out of our schools and our community," said Santa Teresa High School senior Elise Beal. 

Lynnaya Mathews of San Lorenzo High, joined one of the protests because she feels the authorities have too much power.

"They are not God. They can’t be doing whatever they want," she said. "I just feel like them being trigger-happy, like just using their military weapons and all their power, and for us, we’re all defenseless."

The other side:

In an email regarding the executive orders against ICE and anti-ICE zones in the Bay Area, a Department of Homeland Security spokesperson responded: "While California sanctuary politicians continue to release pedophiles, rapists, gang members, and murderers onto their streets, our brave law enforcement will continue to risk their lives to arrest these heinous criminals and make California safe again."

What it looked like:

SkyFox flew overhead some of the demonstrations. 

Here is what they looked like:

San Francisco

There was a massive turnout in San Francisco's Dolores Park on Friday afternoon, where thousands of people gathered outside in the sun. They carried signs and banners to decry the actions of federal immigration officers. 

About an hour later, that rally began to morph into a march as people started to fill Dolores Street. They then marched up Market Street, making their way to Civic Center Plaza. A few thousand people then gathered for another rally in front of San Francisco City Hall. 

The tagline for the demonstration was "no work, no school, no shopping"—as protesters hope to not only raise their voices but make an economic impact that might push the government to make a change.

Some left work early to attend the rally, others were students who walked out of school. 

What they're saying:

Protesters we spoke with said the goal was to create real pressure and to push leaders to respond.

"We're the future of this country and we have a voice. We know we have a voice. We have to use it. We have to stand up. Even if that means missing school, walking out," said Ramona Rosenbach of Berkeley High School. 

"Well, it's important to support the community and be part of the community. I have family members who are undocumented, so it hits closer to home," said Miguel, a protester. 

"I'm from Minnesota. My family is there. They're on the front line. I want to support them but also support the immigrants in my community who are in fear of everything. It's just crazy," said Pat Neaton of San Francisco.

Another native Minnesotan weighed in. 

"My family lives in Minneapolis actually and I really want to come out and support them. When I found out about everything that was going on, it was really, really sad. I was really, really sad," said Enzo Hurley. He said back home, his family is afraid to go to school and work.

"They're afraid of what ICE can do to them, what happens when you go out and protest, because you have to fight back, but it's scary to do that sometimes because you don't want to get hurt. My mom was telling me, be careful and come back to me, safe."

Like many others, Will McCallum skipped work to make a statement. 

"He's hurting working class Americans and our politicians are not standing up for us, so we have to do the general strike to force their hand and force them to take action, because they won't do it otherwise."

"It's showing that Americans are done, and that we need change right now," said Dominic Presta of South San Francisco. 

Amid the anger, many described a powerful sense of unity. 

"It shows that everyone here is thinking the exact same thing as you, and they all believe in the same thing, especially sometimes it feels so isolating being alone, like especially I feel like with social media and stuff," said Karina Gebrych of Brisbane. "Sometimes I'm like, do even people have the same opinions as me? And then I look around, I'm like, so many people took time out of their day to come and show up for everyone else."

Young people were commended for their efforts. 

"The young people and the people who skipped their school today make up such a big population of who's going to have to live through this country for so many more years and the amount of high schoolers and students who showed up for this is really showing that the young people care and the young people want to put an end to this," said Piper Reed of Pacifica.

 

Dublin 

Students at Dublin High school leave class to protest ICE, carrying signs that read "ICE Always Melts." 

San Mateo

Students in San Mateo walked out of school carrying "Melt ICE" signs and playing drums, as police were seen serving as safety escorts. 

Up to 10,000 students were expected to join the protest from eight schools: Burlingame, San Mateo, Aragon, College of San Mateo, Abbott, Capuchino, Crystal Springs, and Hillsdale. 

Thousands were seen in Central Park, waving signs and shouting. 

"Me and my friends are all out here to show support to get rid of ICE because they've been taking away our neighbors and everybody, and we want them to get out," said Zac, a Burlingame High School Junior who did not give a last name. 

His classmate, who gave the name Alexandria, agreed that what ICE is doing in its most recent operations is wrong. "I think this can unite us as a nation and I think it can make a difference in people's lives, because I don't think what ICE is doing is right."

Students marching and demonstrating were cheered on by adults in solidarity.

"These kids, they're our future. Hey, stand-up everybody! There you go, good for you! Yeah, that's our future, right folks," said Clinton, who a retired U.S. Army veteran. 

One teacher at the rally said they were proud of their students. 

Others are noticing how serious this generation is about making their voices heard. 

"Young people have a sense of emergency, particularly this generation, have a sense of urgency about what's happening now," said Dr. Audra Watson from the Institute for Citizens and Scholars. "They're using social media to organize and to organize well and peacefully. And to state what is happening and show others how they want to respond to it."

Dr. Watson said today's protests won't be a flash in the pan, but more a slow burn that will continue to grow and possibly lead to policy change. 

Lucas Carlson, a Burlingame High senior, seems to agree with that sentiment. "Hopefully politicians will listen to the people and get them out. That's what I think."

The San Mateo Union High School District issued a statement about this walkout saying in part, "High school students are permitted a one-day excused absence to attend a civic or political event provided that the school receives notification ahead of the absence. 

San Mateo police were notified in order to provide traffic safety from various march points. 

Napa

In Wine Country, protesters have become common during President Trump's second term. 

Congressman Mike Thompson hosted a "Day of Action" rally, where a thousand people showed up at Napa's Veteran's Memorial Park.

The goals: stop ICE, end DHS enforcement tactics;  impeach DHS Secretary Kristi Noem.

"The president and his administration has convinced the world that we are criminals and has dehumanized us," said Enna, a student. "ICE is terrorizing our community. It is ripping families apart; innocent people."

"It's wrong to create a climate where people are afraid to go to work, to go out to play, to go shopping or even just to exist in their own home," said Jenny Ocon from Up Valley Family Centers. 

One politician present talked about reigning in federal ICE agents. 

"ICE has turned into a lawless vigilante task force that has to be brought under control," said California State Sen. Christopher Cabaldon (D-West Sacramento). 

Another local lawmaker called for accountability.

"We can pursue accountability without masked raids and military tactics. This is the same gear that I wore when I was overseas. There's no place for that in our communities," said Bernie Narvaez. 

San Jose

Students from Silver Creek High in San Jose protest ICE actions in a school walkout.