Californian Citizens Fighting for Justice

Gwen Carroll
Apr 7
3 min read

By Ariel Lee April 2, 2025

On Jan. 20, President Donald Trump issued Executive Order 14160, aiming to end birthright citizenship for children born in the United States to non-citizen parents without legal permanent residency. On Jan. 22, the Department of Homeland Security rescinded an Obama-era directive that had protected undocumented immigrants in locations such as hospitals, places of worship and schools. With one of the largest immigrant populations in the nation, California faces potential legal, social and economic consequences at the hands of both orders.

California Attorney General Rob Bonta criticized Executive Order 14160 as an overreach of presidential authority, stating that it violates the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. In response, California joined 17 Democratic states and cities to file a lawsuit against the order, arguing that it would deny thousands of U.S.-born children their rights and benefits.

Civil rights organizations such as the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) also initiated lawsuits challenging the constitutionality of the executive order. As of now, nine lawsuits have been filed, and two federal judges have issued preliminary injunctions blocking the implementation and enforcement of the order, with the Supreme Court expecting to hear arguments in the near future.

The Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency conducts operations to detain and deport individuals without legal status, often collaborating with local law enforcement agencies. Following Trump's executive order, ICE increased raids and deportations, which heightened fear and uncertainty within immigrant communities—especially in California, where approximately 27% of residents are foreign-born, including 38.1% in San Jose and 35% in San Francisco. According to NBC News, San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan and Councilmember Peter Ortiz confirmed on Jan. 26 that ICE agents were spotted in East San Jose..

ICE operations have sometimes turned violent. For example, a Bay Area resident was hospitalized after ICE agents allegedly slammed him to the ground during an arrest in February, leaving him struggling to breathe, per KQED.

“Recent immigration policies have created fear and instability, especially in areas with majority immigrant populations. Families are being torn apart, children are afraid to go to school and people are hesitant to seek medical care or report crimes because they fear deportation. These policies do not just affect undocumented individuals, they impact entire communities by fostering distrust and making basic activities feel unsafe,” Sophomore Anushka Iyer said.

In February, activists in Los Angeles opposed ICE operations by spreading ICE agents’ personal information and disrupting deportation raids. Another significant demonstration was the Day Without Immigrants on Feb. 3 during which immigrants, regardless of their legal status, and their allies abstained from work and school across the nation. For example, in San Jose, establishments like Tostadas Restaurant and Con Azucar Cafe shut down for the day to honor the cause.

Some school districts have taken measures to support immigrant families in response to the removal of schools as sanctuary spaces. For instance, during a school board meeting in January, the San Jose Unified School District reaffirmed its commitment to protecting immigrant students and ensuring a safe learning environment. According to Shipman & Goodwin, ICE agents are generally not allowed to enter schools to detain students without a judicial warrant signed by a federal judge, though recent policy changes have given them broader discretion for enforcement in sensitive locations.

“Schools should protect students regardless of immigration status and local communities should continue protesting and providing legal support and financial aid. Both actions can help raise awareness,” Junior Kayla Su said.

On Jan. 28, around 200 students at William C. Overfelt High School in East San Jose walked out to protest ICE raids and support immigrant rights, marching out of their classrooms in solidarity with worried families. Similarly, in Los Angeles, students from several high schools such as Benjamin Franklin High School staged walkouts on Feb. 4. As student and community efforts continue across the state, the outcome may shape future policies on immigration and community relations.

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