Hundreds Rally in San Diego Amid Nationwide ICE Protests

Protesters in City Heights march against Trump administration's immigration policies

Jan. 31, 2026 at 1:47am

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Hundreds of people gathered at Teralta Park in San Diego's City Heights neighborhood on Friday to protest the Trump administration's immigration crackdown, particularly the recent killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti in Minneapolis. The demonstration was part of a nationwide series of strikes that saw people stay home from work and school and avoid shopping in protest. Protesters marched through the neighborhood, chanting slogans and carrying signs, with residents cheering them on from their homes. Speakers at the rally encouraged the crowd to keep fighting and stay involved in their communities.

Why it matters

The nationwide protests highlight growing anger and opposition to the Trump administration's hardline immigration policies, including increased ICE enforcement and detentions. The San Diego rally was one of many across the country, demonstrating the widespread concern over the impact of these policies on immigrant communities.

The details

Hundreds of people gathered at Teralta Park in San Diego's City Heights neighborhood on Friday to protest the Trump administration's immigration crackdown. The demonstration was part of a nationwide series of strikes that saw people stay home from work and school and avoid shopping. Protesters marched through the neighborhood, chanting slogans and carrying signs such as 'Stop ICE Terrorism,' 'Justice for Renee Good and Alex Pretti,' and 'Defund Trump.' Residents cheered the marchers on from the windows of their homes.

  • The rally took place on Friday, January 30, 2026.

The players

Renee Good

A person killed in Minneapolis, whose death was a focus of the protests.

Alex Pretti

A person killed in Minneapolis, whose death was a focus of the protests.

Matt Levy

A Clairemont resident who works for the Pentagon and participated in the rally.

Erin Levy

Matt Levy's wife, who pulled their son out of school to join the rally.

Isabel Caballero

A student at San Diego State University who skipped class to participate in the rally.

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What they’re saying

“We don't want to have to teach him these things, but I want him to be able to learn from them and ask questions.”

— Erin Levy (San Diego Union-Tribune)

“If people like me leave there and don't work there, then it's just gonna get worse. Otherwise it's left in the hands of people who play with big guns like toys.”

— Matt Levy (San Diego Union-Tribune)

“It's important for us to be out here and speak for our community, especially for those that don't have a voice right now. This is a very serious thing for us.”

— Isabel Caballero, SDSU student (San Diego Union-Tribune)

“I've come out to rallies; I've come out to protest. And it was a beautiful crowd, and it was a beautiful moment. And the week later, I didn't see them again. This is your moment of ignition.”

— Brisa Johnson, Executive Director, San Diego Black Worker Center (San Diego Union-Tribune)

What’s next

Organizers of the rally are planning to continue holding demonstrations and events to maintain momentum and keep the community engaged in the fight against the Trump administration's immigration policies.

The takeaway

The San Diego rally was part of a nationwide movement protesting the Trump administration's hardline immigration enforcement, highlighting the widespread concern over the impact of these policies on immigrant communities. The event demonstrated the power of collective action and the importance of sustained engagement to drive change.