Community members hold rally outside Oxnard City Hall Friday
Andie Lopez Bornet
OXNARD, Calif. – Hundreds of people gathered at Oxnard City Hall on Friday to rally in response to large-scale federal immigration sweeps carried out Thursday at two cannabis farms in Carpinteria and Camarillo.
According to the Department of Homeland Security, at least 361 individuals were arrested, and 14 migrant children were rescued from what officials describe as potential forced labor and human trafficking.
“To see how many folks showed up today who feel that anger, who feel that frustration, who feel that heartbreak—watching the videos, joining the frontlines, seeing the National Guard, seeing ICE, seeing Border Patrol show up to our communities—it’s been overwhelming,” said Beatriz Basurto, Rapid Response Coordinator at 805 Undocufund. “But it’s tremendous to see how many people are willing to show up for the undocumented community here.”
Emotions ran high as speakers outside City Hall demanded the release of those detained and called for lasting change.
Protesters waved flags, held signs, and made it clear their voices would be heard.
“Change comes when we come in power and we come in big crowds. We showed that yesterday in Camarillo—we showed resistance,” said one rally attendee. “We showed power through the crowds that came through during the early morning.”
Following the speeches, demonstrators and a caravan of vehicles marched through downtown Oxnard, chanting, “Say it loud, say it clear, immigrants are welcome here,” before returning to City Hall.
The emotion and energy remain high—and organizers say the momentum is only growing.