by the El Reportero staff
San Francisco was once again the center of massive protests this Sunday, when hundreds of people gathered in front of the Civic Center to demonstrate against the upcoming government of Donald Trump. The city, historically a refuge for immigrant communities, witnessed an event that brought together human rights organizations, feminist groups, and civil rights groups, among others, who expressed their rejection of what they consider a threat to the most vulnerable communities.
The protest began in the Latino neighborhood of the Mission and headed toward the San Francisco Civic Center in front of City Hall.
Activists from different sectors raised their voices against Trump’s policies, accusing him of putting civil rights and protections for immigrants at risk. However, amid the protest, voices also emerged in defense of the president-elect, who stressed that his focus on strengthening borders and security represents a necessary step to regain control and ensure the well-being of American citizens.
In front of the steps of the building that houses the city government, an improvised platform was set up. In their speeches, the protesters denounced the policies of mass deportation and the criminalization of immigrants.
Martha Garrido, leader of the Women’s Collective and member of Misión Acción, highlighted the importance of the work of immigrant women in the country’s economy. “We, immigrant women, sustain this country. Thanks to our work, many families can get ahead,” said Garrido, highlighting the positive contribution of immigrants to society.
From another angle, those who support Trump pointed out that immigration policies must be stricter to guarantee the security and well-being of citizens. According to their arguments, immigration laws should focus on those who have broken the law, rather than those who have contributed to the country even if they are undocumented.
Laura Valdez, executive director of Mission Action, called on local authorities to strengthen protections for immigrant communities, while others at the protest argued for a tougher stance against the new administration’s immigration policies.
San Francisco remains a symbol of resistance and solidarity, according to organizers, but tensions between those who defend Trump’s policies and those who reject them continue to grow, as both groups struggle to shape the nation’s future.
– With reporting by Eric Alcocer Chavez of Peninsula360Press.
