Activists have gathered in force outside the Joint Forces Training Base in Los Alamitos, California, protesting the presence of National Guard soldiers deployed to assist with controversial immigration raids. The rally, marked by passionate speeches and chants, has drawn attention to the tensions surrounding immigration enforcement as demonstrators declare, “They are not welcome here!”

The protest erupted as local residents and military families voiced their outrage against the collaboration of military personnel with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Activists argue that these operations violate the constitutional rights of undocumented immigrants, a principle that members of the military have sworn to protect. “This is not my country,” one demonstrator, Francis Marquez, lamented, expressing deep shame over the treatment of immigrants.

The rally comes amid reports that soldiers stationed at the base are preparing for increased immigration enforcement operations, prompting fears and frustrations within the community. Some protesters have urged military personnel to defy orders, emphasizing that their duty should be to protect, not to enforce immigration laws.

While the crowd of a couple dozen people expressed solidarity with undocumented immigrants, opinions within the neighborhood remain divided. Some argue that the focus should be on American businesses exploiting undocumented workers rather than targeting the individuals themselves.

The situation is rapidly evolving, as tensions rise and the community grapples with the implications of military involvement in immigration enforcement. As activists continue to rally, the message is clear: the fight against perceived injustices in immigration policy is far from over, and the eyes of the nation are watching.