Protesters March 50 Miles to Oppose ICE Detention Plans in Dublin
On Saturday, hundreds of participants, including walkers, families, and supporters, embarked on a 50-mile march from Napa to Dublin. This event aimed to protest recent ICE enforcement activities in the Bay Area and to advocate for an immediate halt to federal plans that would convert the former women’s prison in Dublin into an ICE detention center.
The three-day march, organized by the Northern California Coalition for Fair Immigration Reform (NCCJIR), marks the fourth annual Caminata for Immigrant Rights. Over 100 individuals set off from Napa High School at 8:45 a.m., driven by a shared commitment to improving immigration policies.
Renee Saucedo, a community organizer with Almas Libres and Raizes Collective based in Sonoma County, shared that the Caminata began five years ago. A coalition of activist organizations throughout the Greater Bay Area united to create the NCCJIR, emphasizing their collective call for meaningful citizenship reforms.
“We came together believing it was crucial for our region to advocate more strongly for citizenship policies, joining the national movement,” Saucedo explained. She noted that the escalating anti-immigrant sentiments during the Trump administration led to alarming abuses, including family separations and the detainment of individuals under inhumane conditions. The choice of Dublin for the march was strategic, reflecting their concerns over the administration’s plans to turn the facility over to ICE.
Participants included Rene Espinoza, a newcomer to marches and a member of Oakland CSO, who highlighted the personal connection to the cause. “Coming from an immigrant family, I witness the struggles of the Latino community as I volunteer at a food pantry,” she stated. “It feels empowering to stand up for those who may feel voiceless.”
Tessa Henry, alongside her 12-year-old son, Angwin, had previously engaged in marches supporting Palestine but found this experience particularly poignant. “Even though I could only join for part of the march, I’m already thinking about how I can participate more fully next year,” she remarked, emphasizing the strength found in collective action.
Elana Feldman, a former security guard from Petaluma, wore a reflective vest to help ensure the safety of walkers. She expressed her commitment to fostering respect among participants and maintaining awareness of ICE presence. “Our love and unity can overcome the hatred and cruelty in the world today,” Feldman noted.
Napa resident Xander Nicholson, a member of CSO North Bay, called for community support and collective action. “Help each other, look out for one another, and join your local rapid response network,” he urged, echoing sentiments shared among participants. Maria Lopez, 28, involved her children and niece in the march to demonstrate the importance of solidarity. “We need to rally more support, as unified efforts will help us achieve our goals,” she stated in Spanish. The event underscores the ongoing struggle for immigrant rights, demonstrating that a powerful alliance exists in the face of adversity.
