Introduction to the Protest
Roughly 300 people gathered Wednesday evening outside the Ronald Reagan Federal Building and Courthouse in Santa Ana to protest the ongoing mass immigration raids in Orange County.
The peaceful protest began shortly after 6 p.m. and soon tripled in size as people from all walks of life congregated in front of a road closure, occupied by at least six members of the California National Guard on North Birch and 4th Street.
Chants such as “ICE Out of OC” and “Trump Out of OC” could be heard throughout the group as people held up various creative signs and carried Mexican and American flags.
The Scene of the Protest
Navy veteran Jason Martinez of Santa Ana holds an American flag saying, “I’m More American” as he joins protesters outside the Ronald Reagan Federal Building and Courthouse in Santa Ana on Wednesday, June 11, 2025. (Photo by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register/SCNG)
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Navy veteran Jason Martinez of Santa Ana holds an American flag saying, “I’m More American” as he joins protesters outside the Ronald Reagan Federal Building and Courthouse in Santa Ana on Wednesday, June 11, 2025. (Photo by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register/SCNG)
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Personal Stories of Protesters
Donned in a cowboy hat, Navy veteran Jason Martinez, 28, stood in front of the National Guard with an American flag that read “I’m More American.” His parents were both deported in 2011, a few years before his military enlistment in 2015. “I still think this country can be great,” said Martinez. “There’s no borders up in heaven, there shouldn’t be (borders) here either,” he added.
The Protest in Action
Several people holding megaphones urged the crowd to “keep things peaceful” as at least 15 officers from the Irvine Police Department, dressed in riot gear, stood back around the perimeter of the protest. One person carried a Salvadorian flag while another waved a joint American-Pride flag.
Reasons Behind the Protest
For 28-year-old former Santa Ana resident David Vasquez, the protest was an opportunity to show support for the broader immigrant community.
The Corona resident carried a large cardboard poster with historic images depicting the displacement and mistreatment of Hispanic immigrants in America. “These people never got justice,” he said. Vasquez added that his mother was undocumented and had picked fruits and vegetables as an agricultural worker in the 90s, often for little to no pay. At times, he said his mother’s employers would call ICE to “chase out” the workers to avoid paying them.
The Importance of Peaceful Protest
“It feels like the federal government is trying to be as dramatic as possible to elicit a response from people,” said 30-year-old Kelsey Leach from Orange. “It’s important to come out and nonviolently exercise our First Amendment rights.”
Conclusion
The protest in Santa Ana against immigration raids showcased a community coming together to stand up for their rights and the rights of others. With chants, signs, and a peaceful demeanor, the protesters made their voices heard. The presence of the National Guard and police did not deter the crowd, and the event remained peaceful throughout.
FAQs
Q: What was the protest about?
A: The protest was against the ongoing mass immigration raids in Orange County.
Q: Where did the protest take place?
A: The protest took place outside the Ronald Reagan Federal Building and Courthouse in Santa Ana.
Q: How many people attended the protest?
A: Roughly 300 people attended the protest.
Q: Was the protest peaceful?
A: Yes, the protest was peaceful, with attendees urged to keep things peaceful by people holding megaphones.
Q: What was the role of the National Guard and police at the protest?
A: The National Guard and police were present to maintain order, with at least 15 officers from the Irvine Police Department dressed in riot gear standing around the perimeter of the protest.
