On Tuesday, Oct. 13, at 4 p.m., the Bakersfield community gathered at the Valley Plaza Mall parking lot to express their frustrations with Immigration and Customs Enforcement policies and immigration enforcement. The crowd consisted of people of all ages showing their support for the Hispanic community. This protest came as a result of “Operation Safe California”, a 45-day ICE increase in California, launched by the Department of Homeland Security.
This was the second ICE protest held at the same location following last year’s protest. It was organized by Bakersfield influencer Ivan Escobar. The protest opposing ICE consisted of the community holding up numerous signs, with some reading “Love Melts ICE” and “Families Belong Together”. This was accompanied by chanting and encouraging others driving by to come together.
Some people even brought free food and water to make sure everyone was well fed and hydrated throughout the event. The food and drinks were placed nearby so people could grab what they needed and continue to protest. This act of kindness showed how much the community cared for one another and the support among people attending the protest. The atmosphere was lively and inviting. At one point, it seemed like every car passing by was showing support. The protesters responded with cheering, assuring them that they were not alone.
When the protest first started, there were only about a dozen people who showed up, with most of them being young teenagers. As the afternoon continued, more and more older people showed up until the end, when the support included people of all ages. The change in the crowd showed that the protest had support from all generations.
Among the protesters, Jason Baker Medlock was asked about what changes he was advocating for. Medlock said, “We need to see this immigration thing a little bit more humane; no human is illegal. Families should not be separated, and my son, who is Hispanic, shouldn’t feel the need to go around and carry his birth certificate to prove he’s a citizen. He’s a human being.”
When asked whether the younger generation should get more involved with politics and voting, Medlock said, “If you don’t vote, you can’t bitch about anything. You guys are the future, so it’s very important that you guys know. This is your future I’m fighting for.”
Overall, this protest brought together the Bakersfield community from all generations to express their concerns about ICE policies and immigration enforcement. The free food and signs showed how people supported the cause while expressing the changes they wanted to see. The protest also pointed out how important it is for young people to get involved in politics and voting, as it impacts their communities and families.