Santa Monicans Protest Against ICE, Amazon Ties

Residents join nationwide 'blackout' strike against Trump immigration policies.

Jan. 30, 2026 at 6:47pm

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Protesters across the United States, including in Santa Monica, staged a nationwide 'blackout' strike on Friday, calling for no work, no school, and no shopping to oppose the Trump administration's immigration enforcement. The Santa Monica protesters specifically called out Amazon's affiliation with the federal government.

Why it matters

The protests highlight ongoing tensions over the Trump administration's hardline immigration policies and the role of major tech companies like Amazon in cooperating with federal agencies like ICE. Santa Monica has a history of activism around social justice issues.

The details

The nationwide 'blackout' strike involved protesters refraining from work, school, and shopping to voice their opposition to the Trump administration's immigration enforcement efforts. In Santa Monica, demonstrators gathered along Olympic Boulevard to participate in the protest and specifically target Amazon's contracts with the federal government.

  • The protests took place on Friday, January 31, 2026.

The players

Santa Monicans

Residents of the city of Santa Monica, California who participated in the nationwide protests against the Trump administration's immigration policies.

Amazon

The major tech company that has faced criticism for its contracts and cooperation with federal agencies like ICE.

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What they’re saying

“We must continue to speak out against the inhumane treatment of immigrants and the unethical practices of companies that enable it.”

— Samantha Flores, Santa Monica Resident

What’s next

Organizers say they plan to continue the protests and pressure campaigns against Amazon and the federal government's immigration enforcement policies in the coming weeks and months.

The takeaway

The Santa Monica protests are part of a broader nationwide movement opposing the Trump administration's hardline immigration stance and the role of major tech companies in cooperating with federal agencies, underscoring the ongoing tensions and activism around these issues.