Recent protests against U.S immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have taken place throughout the state of California, including in the South Bay area of Los Angeles County. These protests are part of a larger national movement demanding for immigration reform, greater accountability, and support for immigration families.
In the South Bay, a local grassroots group known as South Bay Takes a Stand (SBTAS) organized anti-ICE marches along The Strand between Manhattan Beach and Hermosa Beach. Thousands of community members participated in events such as the “Stand Up for Democracy” walk, carrying signs advocating immigrant rights and criticizing federal enforcement policies.
The movement grew quickly, fueled by a sense of urgency among residents. Layla Mazry, a junior at Costa who attended the SBTAS protest on The Strand expressed her excitement for the cause. Mazry said “It was amazing to see so many people come together for the same cause, it was really inspiring.”
Ella Ward, an El Segundo High School (ESHS) student, also attended a SBTAS protest on The Strand, and said, “I was extremely excited to be able to participate in such a movement with so many people. It gave me hope for the future of our community.”
Redondo Union High School (RUHS) and ESHS students have also participated in school-wide civic engagement in the past few weeks. Aletta Rijpkema, organized an anti-ICE protest at her school, ESHS.
She felt a responsibility to bring awareness to her campus. “Even though we’re not old enough to vote yet, that doesn’t mean we’re not paying attention.” Rijpkema explained. “It doesn’t mean we don’t care.”
Organizers emphasized peaceful civic engagement and community solidarity. These school-wide protests make students affected by these issues not feel so alone.
“For us, this wasn’t about attention or recognition. It was about using our voices for people who don’t always get heard,” Rijpkema said.
As the movement continues, many upstanders in the South Bay have emphasized ongoing civic involvement beyond marches, encouraging residents to attend city council meetings, contact elected representatives, and stay informed about immigration legislation. This wave of student led activism eventually made its way to Costa, where students organized a protest of their own. This protest represented a turning point, as it shows that the movement had expanded beyond community marches and into local schools.
“My friends and I all made signs, and we were so pleasantly surprised with the amount of people who showed up, and walked out.” said Costa walkout participant and senior, Lachlan Murphy.
Students gathered to raise awareness, hold signs, and stand in solidarity with immigrant communities reflecting a growing willingness among younger generations to engage directly with political and social issues.
“Right now, it is more important than ever to stand up for what we think is right, and getting to do it with friends and our community makes it even more memorable,” said Murphy.
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