OCEANSIDE, Calif. (KGTV) — From corner to corner, people’s chants and honking cars filled the intersection of Mission Avenue and Canyon Drive in Oceanside Friday evening. Within the first 30 minutes, the crowd doubled in size.
The protest remaining mainly peaceful, despite the hurt that many brought with them.
“It's it's not fair for our working class families. They're separating home. They're separating families,” said Victor Mendoza, organizer of the protest.
This comes as multiple "No Kings Day" protests are planned across San Diego County and the nation on Saturday to criticize the Trump Administration and it’s handling of deportations.
“I can't emphasize enough how this is more than just personal. I have not just family or friends, but I know in the broader sense, going back to the history of this country and more importantly like my roots, I feel as though I need to speak up,” said Allan Hernandez Padron, who attended the protest.
President Trump promised to deport millions of people who are in the U.S. illegally, as well as limit legal pathways created for immigrants to come to this country to stay and work.
Sisters brought signs that say "proud daughter of immigrants" and "families belong together."
A statement they fear isn’t felt by those in charge.
“Our parents are both immigrants and they came here for a better future, and I wouldn't be who I am if it wasn't for their sacrifice. Because it wasn't that they just decide one day that they decided to just come to another country. No, it was a sacrifice they made for a better future for their family,” said Juli, one of the protestors.
The Oceanside Police Department said in a press release that they are aware of immigration enforcement operations in the city, and they are also aware of the community concerns that come with that.
That's why they wanted to remind the public that they are still complying with SB 54 and not participating in immigration enforcement.
“It makes me so happy and it makes me feel not alone when I see people of different genders, different race, you know, it feels like we're not doomed, you know what I mean?” said Stephanie, who attended the protest. “I don't know, it just makes me feel like I'm at home and I'm very like sad and stressed over the situation, but when I come out here and I see people and we're here in peace, I feel like this could probably get better.”
