Friday night, the streets of Downtown Fresno became a local stage for a nationwide demonstration.
Protesters gathered outside the ICE office on L street, condemning the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown amid escalating tensions throughout the country.
“To let them know that their struggle is also our struggle, and just because in the moment, it’s not happening to us, doesn’t mean it can’t and it won’t,” said Alfred Aldrete from Fresno Resistance.
Aldrete took charge in leading the crowd of more than 100 people.
The group stood, chanted and eventually marched through Downtown Fresno until they arrived at the superior courthouse.
“We have people of every ethnic community that makes Fresno great, really here letting their voice be heard and it’s a beautiful thing to be a part of,” Aldrete said.
This display served as Fresno’s role in a National Day of Action in the United States, motivated in large part by the deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti in Minnesota.
Fresno High School students were some of the many to withdraw themselves from schools Friday.
RELATED: Fresno protests, student walkouts and business closures mark nationwide strike against ICE
Some businesses also opted to close their doors. Others operated while simultaneously supporting the occasion.
“As a small business, we can’t afford to shut down. We can’t afford to close our doors, but that doesn’t mean that we don’t stand with them, so it’s important for us to get that message out,” said Joy Alvarado, owner of Joy’s Velitas and Lumiere Sober Bar in Downtown Fresno.
As a daughter of immigrant parents, Alvarado’s made it a point for her businesses to also serve as a safe haven for her community.
“We’re taking that step up to be leaders in our community, to tell you, hey we care about you, we want you to feel safe and this is where you can come, and we’re always going to be here for you,” she said.
Aldrete called Friday night a prime example of what needs to be done going forward.
“All we can do is continue to stand with them, continue to educate and inform the masses, and our neighbors, and our communities. How to stand together, how to take care of one another, because in the very end love is important,” Aldrete said.
The protest remained preaceful throughout, with Fresno Police present to escort them through the entirety of the march.