Hundreds in San Jose protest ICE, Trump immigration policies

Hundreds of people protested in San Jose on Sunday in response to ICE operating there more frequently in recent weeks. Supporters also say they plan to walk off their jobs and stay home from school in protest.

For the second time in two weeks, the Silicon Valley Immigrant Committee helped organize a protest in response to the crackdown on undocumented people by the Trump Administration. 

Lupe Vasquez of San Jose said she wanted to support her community after becoming an American citizen about 30 years ago.

"Trump is making us look like bad people and we are not. We’re here to make America better, not to make it worse," Vasquez said. 

She was one of hundreds of people rallying at the corner of King and Story Roads after marching from Mexican Heritage Plaza on Alum Rock Road. 

They carried signs that said, ‘Don’t bite the hand that feeds you’ and ‘Stop deportations, my grandma is a hard worker’.

"We’re not buying anything. We’re not going to work. It’s a day without immigrants. It’s a day without Hispanics and Latinos. No. Not at all," said Ana of Santa Clara. 

A national strike has been planned on Monday, called ‘A Day Without Immigrants’. Supporters say they’ll stay home from work, from school and not spend money the entire day in solidarity with immigrants.

"I think it’s a good idea just to show how immigrants boost this economy, how important we are to this country," said Sandie Pace of San Jose.

"I wish I could participate, but I would be fired from my job if I did, but yeah, I think it’s wonderful. I think if you’re an immigrant you should not go to work tomorrow and see how people can function," said Mimi Gongora, of Santa Clara.

Still, some supporters say a legal pathway to citizenship is important and shouldn’t be forgotten.

‘It’s very difficult. It takes years, money. I believe anybody can do it. If I did it, they could do it too," said Ana. 

Some Bay Area businesses posted signs that they'd be closed on Monday to show support for immigrants. 

However, KTVU didn’t see any signs near the protest in San Jose that businesses would close Monday.  

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