Thousands Protest ICE Across Southern California

Rallies held in San Diego, Los Angeles, and other SoCal counties call for defunding of immigration enforcement agency

Jan. 30, 2026 at 7:15pm

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Demonstrators gathered across Southern California on Friday, including in several San Diego communities, to take part in a "nationwide day of action" seeking to cut off funding for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Protests were held at locations in San Diego, Los Angeles, and other cities, with crowds ranging from around 100 to over 1,000 people. The demonstrations were part of an effort organized by University of Minnesota student groups following the fatal shootings of anti-ICE protesters in Minneapolis.

Why it matters

The protests highlight growing concerns over the role of ICE and immigration enforcement, particularly in diverse communities. The rallies come after a sharp increase in ICE arrests in the San Diego area and follow the fatal shootings of anti-ICE protesters in Minnesota, which have galvanized opposition to the agency.

The details

Protests were held at locations across Southern California, including in front of Mission Bay High School in Pacific Beach, outside Montgomery High School in Otay Mesa, at Teralta Park in City Heights, and at sites in Los Angeles, Burbank, Venice, and Santa Clarita. Crowds ranged from around 100 to over 1,000 people. The demonstrations were part of an effort organized by University of Minnesota student groups following the fatal shootings of anti-ICE protesters Renee Good and Alex Pretti by federal officers in Minneapolis.

  • The protests were held on Friday, January 30, 2026.
  • Federal arrest data shows immigration arrests in San Diego soared in 2025, rising 1500% between May and October, compared to the year before.

The players

University of Minnesota student groups

The organizers of the "National Shutdown" effort to stop funding for ICE following the fatal shootings of anti-ICE protesters in Minneapolis.

Renee Good and Alex Pretti

Anti-ICE protesters who were fatally shot by federal officers in Minneapolis.

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The takeaway

The widespread protests across Southern California demonstrate the growing opposition to ICE and immigration enforcement, particularly in diverse communities that have been disproportionately impacted. The rallies also come amid a sharp rise in ICE arrests in the San Diego area, underscoring the need for a re-evaluation of the agency's tactics and policies.