Jennifer stood among a crowd of thousands at a “No Kings” protest in El Segundo on Saturday, holding a sign that read, “I’m speaking for those who can’t.” This was her first protest, and she was there not just for herself, but for her father, an undocumented immigrant who felt too afraid to join due to recent ICE raids in Los Angeles.
Her father, 55 years old, has been living in fear as arrests have surged in the area. Jennifer shared that he would have loved to be there with her but couldn’t take the risk. The atmosphere at the protest was charged with emotion, as participants honked car horns in support and raised their signs against the backdrop of rising tensions surrounding immigration policies.
This event was significant for Jennifer, who is now 29 and remembers when her father, referred to as Ray, was shot during a robbery attempt while working as a landscaper. Two decades ago, a story about her father’s resilience, where he insisted on returning to work shortly after being shot, captured the attention of many, leading to community support for their family.
The protest was a response to the aggressive immigration enforcement under the Trump administration, which aims to deport thousands of undocumented individuals. Many protesters, like Jennifer, wanted to show solidarity for those who live in fear of being detained. They emphasized that not all undocumented immigrants are criminals and that they contribute positively to society.
Jennifer attended the protest with her nine-year-old son, who expressed fears about his grandfather being arrested and sent back to Mexico. She explained to him the importance of standing up for their rights and the rights of others in similar situations.
Despite the fear that looms over many families, the protest was a moment of unity and hope. People from different backgrounds came together to voice their concerns against the militarization of immigration enforcement. As they marched along the streets, the message was clear: they want to be heard and recognized as valuable members of the community.
Jennifer’s father still carries the bullet that remains lodged in his chest, a reminder of the struggles he has faced. Yet, through it all, he continues to work hard, embodying the spirit of resilience that many in the crowd admired. The protest was not just about one person; it was about a community standing together, advocating for justice and compassion in the face of fear.