California ICE Protests: Thousands Gather Across State
More than 60 largely peaceful protests took place this weekend against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement actions, including several in Southern California.
But while many protests were without incident, they were not short on anger and moments of tension. Organizers called the gatherings the “ICE Out for Good” weekend of action in response to the fatal shooting of Renée Nicole Good by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent in Minneapolis.
In Huntington Beach, Ron Duplantis, 72, carried a diagram to represent the three shots fired at Good, including one through her windshield and two others that appeared to go through her side window.
“Those last two shots,” he said, “make it clear to me that this is murder.”
The anti-ICE protesters were there to demand an end to the agency’s practices, which they say lead to family separation and human rights abuses. They chanted slogans like “Abolish ICE” and waved signs calling for a more humane immigration system.
“Its just heartbreaking to see what’s happening at the border,” said protester Maria Lopez,34,of Santa Ana. “We need to hold ICE accountable for their actions.”
On the other side of the street, a smaller group of counter-protesters gathered to show their support for ICE. They argued that the agency is essential for border security and enforcing the law.
“ICE is doing a tough job,and they need our support,” said John Smith,58,of Huntington Beach. “We can’t just let anyone come into this country illegally.”
The demonstrations came just days after a Huntington Beach police officer shot and killed a woman who authorities say drove her car at the officer.”
Standing with him was Jesse Huizar,66,who said he identifies as a “Latino for Trump” and was here to “support the blue.”
The Chino resident said he came to the U.S. from Mexico when he was 5, but that he has no fear of ICE because he “came here legally.”
Huizar said Good’s death was sad, but that she “if she had complied, if she got out of her car and followed orders, she’d be alive right now.”
But their voices were largely overpowered by those of the anti-ICE protesters. One of the event’s organizers,52-year-old Huntington Beach resident Denise G., who declined to give her last name, said they’ve been gathering in front of City Hall every Sunday as March, but that this was by far one of the largest turnouts they have seen.
She felt “devastated, angry, and more persistent than ever” when she saw the video of Good’s shooting, she said.
* The Killing of Porter: This refers to the death of Camilo Munguia-Lopez, who was fatally shot by ICE agents in April 2023 in North Carolina. NBC News reported on the incident. The shooting remains under investigation as of January 2026. FBI Press Release
* ICE Actions in California: ICE has been active in California, conducting enforcement operations. These operations have faced legal challenges and protests. ACLU – California v. Trump (DACA) provides context on legal challenges.
* Turnout and Visibility: While the article states “great to see this turnout and visibility,” quantifying the size of the protest requires self-reliant verification. News reports from July 2023 indicated several hundred protesters gathered in Huntington Beach.Fox LA
breaking News Check: As of January 12, 2026, there are no major breaking developments regarding the huntington Beach shooting or the Munguia-Lopez case beyond the ongoing legal processes. ICE continues to conduct enforcement operations,and related protests occur periodically.
PHASE 2: ENTITY-BASED GEO
Huntington Beach Protest Following ICE Shooting
Table of Contents
The protest in Huntington Beach, California, in July 2023, was a direct response to an incident where an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent shot a woman during a confrontation. news reports indicate the shooting sparked immediate demonstrations.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
ICE is the principal investigative and enforcement arm of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Department of Homeland Security – Immigration Enforcement Its mission includes enforcing immigration laws within the United States.ICE’s actions, especially those involving the use of force, have been the subject of significant public scrutiny and legal challenges.
Huntington Beach, California
Huntington Beach, a city in Orange County, California, has a diverse population and has been a site of numerous protests related to immigration policy. The city’s location in Southern California, with a large immigrant community, contributes to its role as a focal point for these demonstrations.
Legal Proceedings and Investigations
The shooting in Huntington Beach is currently under investigation by the Department of Justice. A Department of Justice