In the wake of federal raids across Los Angeles and Orange County, immigrant communities in Oakland are bracing for potential roundups in Alameda County.
The situation escalated when U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers arrested over 100 immigrant workers and day laborers in Los Angeles, igniting protests that occasionally turned violent.
Reports indicated that during these protests, federal agents employed pepper spray and batons, while demonstrators responded by throwing rocks at federal vehicles.
In response to mounting tensions, President Donald Trump has deployed thousands of National Guard troops and Marines to the area.
This unilateral action has garnered criticism, leading to a lawsuit from Governor Gavin Newsom aimed at contesting the legality of the deployment.
Moreover, in San Francisco, the police took over 200 individuals into custody during protests against local ICE arrests over the weekend.
In response to the alarming federal actions, local community groups in Oakland have swiftly organized a series of events this week.
On Tuesday, June 10, at 6 p.m., a community interfaith vigil dubbed “The Bay Stands with LA” will take place at Fruitvale Plaza, arranged by Faith in Action East Bay and Bay Resistance.
The following day, an emergency response training for Alameda County residents will be held from 6-8 p.m. at Our Lady of the Rosary Church in Union City.
Then, on Saturday, June 14, at 12:45 p.m., a march called the “No Kings” rally is scheduled to unify efforts against the perceived authoritarian actions of the Trump administration, starting at Wilma Chan Park and heading to Frank Ogawa Plaza.
Valeria Ochoa, an organizer from Faith in Action East Bay, expressed the heightened concern among immigrant communities in Oakland as a result of the recent arrests in Southern California.
Her organization has reported a noticeable increase in unconfirmed sightings of ICE agents within the city, with staff actively investigating these reports.
“A bunch of us got together and said, OK, we have to do something in solidarity,” Ochoa explained while discussing the coordination for the vigil.
This event will feature interfaith prayers and community speakers, aiming to foster unity in these challenging times.
“We’re angry with folks going after our communities,” Ochoa stated, emphasizing the importance of a peaceful gathering amidst the ongoing crackdown.
Fruitvale Plaza was selected as the location for the vigil because many immigrants in Oakland frequent the area.
The organizers of the vigil are determined to convey a clear message: they are here to support and advocate for the immigrant community.
Oakland joins other cities nationwide planning “No Kings” rallies on Saturday.
These protests, initiated by Indivisible and various advocacy groups, seek to oppose President Trump’s immigration policies and executive orders perceived as an overreach of authority.
Among the speakers at the Oakland march will be Rep. Lateefah Simon, who represents the area in Congress.
Local leaders have also voiced their staunch opposition to the president’s immigration enforcement actions.
Alameda County Supervisor Elisa Márquez released a statement condemning ICE’s actions, stating, “I will not stay silent as our families are targeted and traumatized by ICE’s cruel tactics and the federal administration’s relentless attacks on our community.”
As the daughter of immigrants, Márquez shares a personal connection to the fear of detention and deportation affecting families across the region.
“No one should have to live in constant fear of being torn from their family, their home, or their dreams,” she asserted.
In recognition of these fears, the Alameda County Board of Supervisors recently allocated $3.5 million for immigration services that cover legal defense and know-your-rights training.
This funding comes amid President Trump’s threats to cut federal aid to “sanctuary” jurisdictions, including Los Angeles, Oakland, and Alameda County, where local law enforcement is prohibited from cooperating with ICE operations.
City Councilmember Janani Ramachandran reassured constituents through a social media video, affirming the local leadership’s commitment to maintaining Oakland’s sanctuary status.
Grassroots organizations that support immigrant populations are amplifying their efforts as well.
The Street Level Health Project, an Oakland-based initiative that aids day laborers and uninsured immigrants, recently conducted staff training focused on the looming threat of ICE raids.
Gabriela Galicia, the organization’s executive director, emphasized the particular vulnerability of day laborers, who are regularly targeted due to their visibility.
To alleviate this, Street Level Health is launching an “Adopt a Day Laborer Corner” initiative.
This program allows volunteers to monitor designated spots where day laborers gather, aiming to enhance safety and awareness around potential ICE activity.
Galicia stressed the importance of having a coordinated approach and advised against individuals showing up at corners unexpectedly, as it might provoke tensions further.
image source from：https://oaklandside.org/2025/06/10/oakland-protests-vigil-hotline-national-guard-la/
