Oakland, Calif.—On July 25 several hundred people gathered in front of Oakland’s federal building to protest ICE killings. Resistance Action Bay Area organized the event, one of literally hundreds happening all over the Bay Area. A beautiful ofrenda was prepared: a colorful altar displaying pictures as well as memorabilia of those who have died. This one honored the 35 people who died in 2026 while in detention, shortly after release, or at the hands of ICE.
Photo: Urszula Wislanka for News & Letters
A very notable presence of children of Japanese people interned in 1942 was a poignant reminder that this is U.S. history at its lowest. A recounting of an immigrant family’s journey was read, since it would have been too risky, even in Oakland, for the immigrants to come in person. An ER doctor spoke about the effects of torture, the many, many rape victims and people brought to emergency rooms from detention centers. The Nurses for Democracy contingent was an important dimension in the vigil.
While some attention was paid to the needed preparation for when Trump will try to steal the November election, for many the event was an expression of the total non-viability of the system. Some participants talked about it being easier to just sink back into a routine of everyday life. But that is not the reality we are facing; the whole system is collapsing. The discussion of what happens after is very much needed.
–Urszula Wislanka
“Ofrenda” to the 35 people killed by ICE in 2026. Photo: Urszula Wislanka for News & Letters
Photo: Urszula Wislanka for News & Letters
“A very notable presence of children of Japanese people interned in 1942 was a poignant reminder that this is U.S. history at its lowest.” That line alone moved me to tears.