Interfaith vigil Oakland held to support LA demonstrators, speak out against ICE
Hundreds of people filled the plaza near the Fruitvale Bart Station Tuesday evening for a vigil to demonstrate continuing opposition to Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations and solidarity with those impacted.
Faith and community leaders as well as small business owners took to the podium to relay the message that they want ICE out of Oakland, the Bay Area and California.
Oakland native Alex Toris was there to support.
"I feel like it's part of my duty to come out here and defend the people who can't speak up for themselves," explained Toris.
He wanted his presence to be known, carrying a giant sign that says "melt ICE."
"Trying to do a little play on ICE, melting, dissolving. The whole point is just to abolish ICE in general," said Toris.
Toris was born and raised in Fruitvale; he believes immigrants are woven into the fabric of the Oakland community.
"Fruitvale is one of the most diverse communities in the nation," said Toris. "I think we speak the largest variety of languages spoken here and dialects."
Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee echoed his sentiment.
"Immigrant communities, yes, our immigrant communities, are the heartbeat of Oakland," said Barbara Lee. "Enriching our neighborhoods with diverse cultures, languages, experiences, and deserve the quality of life that every human being deserves."
She went on to say the city of Oakland stands with the people in Los Angeles facing Federal immigration raids.
"An attack on one of us is an attack on all of us," Lee said emphatically.
Community group, Bay Resistance, hosted the vigil.
Director Kimi Lee said they wanted to create a space where people can express their feelings about what's going on.
"Folks are freaked out, and we want folks to feel safe, and so the idea that more and more community is out here and supporting one another, we're hoping that creates a safe place for people," said Kimi Lee.
Still, Toris is feeling frustrated.
"The whole Trump administration is always about, 'We want to get rid of the criminals.' Then, why are you going to schools and jobs and workplaces," questioned Toris. "And when people are trying to get their papers legally, why are you waiting for people outside of the courthouse when you asked people to do things the right way and then condemn them?"
But he said he is encouraged by the public expression of opposition and solidarity. "It's very unfortunate that it takes things like this or things to get to this level for us to come together and organize like a community, but it's also a beautiful thing to see the resistance to see the people really care for their communities," said Toris.
