Demonstration Outside United Auto Repair Sparks Community Outcry
A cacophony of car horns echoed through El Dorado Avenue near Stockton’s Old City Hall, as a small yet passionate group of demonstrators gathered outside United Auto Repair. The scene unfolded just after noon on a Thursday, where fewer than a dozen protestors congregated at the curb of the auto shop.
Their message was amplified through a white hatchback equipped with a megaphone, broadcasting a looped recording that urged the public not to support the business due to its alleged affiliations with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The provocative message stated, “This business supports DHS and ICE, not our community.”
Backlash Over Controversial Video
United Auto Repair found itself under scrutiny following a widely circulated video on the Instagram account @wingswithoutborders209, which garnered over 30,000 views. The video depicted a van adorned with a DHS license plate being towed into the shop, intensifying concerns among community members about the shop’s potential complicity in federal immigration enforcement.
As protests against the Trump administration’s stringent immigration policies intensified nationwide, local demonstrations were occurring concurrently outside detention centers, aiming to stand in solidarity with detainees. According to reports, June marked a record high of migrant arrests, with more than 43,138 individuals apprehended, the largest monthly figure since Trump’s presidency began.
Response from Local Activists
The Central Valley Community Resistance Network, formerly known as Hands Off Stockton, has been vocal about their opposition to local businesses perceived to assist federal agencies. This grassroots group maintains a presence outside the city’s immigration enforcement office and has expressed concerns about the relationship between local businesses and federal immigration operations. The group keeps its membership confidential to avoid potential repercussions.
This was echoed by demonstrators such as Suzana Magana, a student from San Joaquin Delta College, who acted as a primary voice against the actions of the auto shop. Magana, who captured the contentious moments on video, noted her surprise at discovering two vans outside United Auto Repair, both displaying DHS license plates. “The community needs to know,” Magana remarked, stressing that individuals who oppose ICE should reconsider doing business with the shop.
Reactions from the Auto Shop Owner
Inside the auto shop, the atmosphere was tense as the owner, who opted not to reveal his name, directed his staff to maintain their workflow amidst the escalating protests. One entrance remained open to ensure customer safety, even as protesters shouted slogans aimed at discouraging business with the shop.
The owner acknowledged operating a DHS vehicle but argued that services had never been rendered to ICE before. He maintained that his business caters to all members of the community and emphasized his desire to separate from the political tensions surrounding DHS. While he expressed willingness to engage in dialogue regarding the matter, he resisted commitments to deny service in the future.
Community Concerns on Business Ethics
As horns blared and protesters expressed their views, some voiced strong objections to local businesses servicing DHS clients. Marian, a 26-year-old demonstrator, articulated his discontent by stating, “We want transparency in this business.” He believes that servicing DHS vehicles is unacceptable, as it essentially supports the organization’s actions that harm families through deportation and separation.
Marian added that businesses contributing to ICE’s operations seem to profit from the community’s suffering. “Companies that choose to work with DHS are allowing ICE to infiltrate our community,” he asserted. The sentiment echoed a strong desire among protesters for accountability and ethical practices among businesses in their area.
