San Diego joins nationwide ‘National Shutdown’ to protest immigration enforcement

The “National Shutdown” encouraged participants across the country not to work, not to go to school, and not to shop.

SAN DIEGO — Hundreds of protesters lined the streets of San Diego on Friday as part of a coordinated nationwide demonstration against the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown. 

The “National Shutdown” encouraged participants not to work, not to go to school, and not to shop, with local residents joining demonstrations from Hillcrest to Teralta Park to Hoover High School.

One of the largest local demonstrations took place in Hillcrest, where organizers led the effort to send a clear message to the federal government about immigration enforcement practices.

“Their brutality and the methods they’re using are just deplorable,” said Gene Brake, one of the Hillcrest demonstration’s organizers along with Tolson.

Tolson, a veteran who fought in the Iraq War, expressed particular outrage at immigration enforcement agents. 

“I absolutely am disgusted by what these ICE and Border Patrol people are doing,” she told CB 8. “We fought for freedom over there, and now we’re fighting for freedom in our own country and it’s disgusting.”

The San Diego protests served as a show of solidarity with residents in Minneapolis, where federal agents recently fatally shot Alex Pretti and Renee Good. Protesters said the turnout represented an important moment to speak against injustice.

“We’re tired of seeing the injustice and the lies, and if this is the only way we have to speak about it, I’m going to do anything I can,” said Rachel Tisnado.

Some participants said they felt empowered by the strength in numbers to voice concerns they might otherwise keep silent. 

“As an undocumented person, as a trans woman, LatinX, I think this is the right moment to raise our voices,” said Jamie Arangure.

Others view the movement as a historic moment for civil rights. 

“This is going to go down in the history books as a big movement for our country, for our community, for our people, for immigrants, for civil rights,” said Christine Gianconne.

While some critics have questioned whether a one-day economic shutdown will create real change, organizers said that this is just the beginning. 

“It’s going to send a message, and it’s not going to stop until they stop,” added Tolson.

Protesters emphasized their commitment to continued action. 

“We have to make our voices louder and louder, and keep showing up, whenever we can,” said Felicia Tisnado-Nykaza. “We have to keep going, we have to keep going. Speaking up just once isn’t going to do it.”

The nationwide protests continue Saturday with another demonstration planned in Mira Mesa at the corner of Mira Mesa Boulevard and Westview Parkway, beginning at 11 a.m.