Demonstrators gathered Friday in San Diego parks, squares and high schools to take part in a “day of action” targeting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
As of mid-afternoon, protests were underway in front of Mission Bay High School in Pacific Beach, outside Montgomery High School in Otay Mesa, at Teralta Park in City Heights and on University Avenue in Hillcrest.
The crowds ranged from 100 to 500 people, according to San Diego police, with the largest in City Heights.
A man smashing a bag of ice in the middle of University at Normal Street made a symbolic gesture that generated roaring applause from protesters lining both sides of the street on Jan. 30, 2026 in Hillcrest. (Photo by Frank Sabatini Jr./Times of San Diego) 
In City Heights’ Teralta Park on Jan. 30, 2026, protesters take part in the National Day of Action to protest ICE following two deaths in Minneapolis. (Photo by Adrian Childress/Times of San Diego) 
In City Heights’ Teralta Park on Jan. 30, 2026, protesters take part in the National Day of Action to protest ICE following two deaths in Minneapolis. (Photo by Adrian Childress/Times of San Diego) 
Protesters lined both sides of the street for the National Day of Action on Jan. 30, 2026 in Hillcrest. (Photo by Frank Sabatini Jr./Times of San Diego) 
Protesters lined both sides of the street for the National Day of Action on Jan. 30, 2026 in Hillcrest. (Photo by Frank Sabatini Jr./Times of San Diego) 
Students outside Mission Bay High School participate in a walkout on Jan. 30, 2026. (Photo by Adrian Childress/Times of San Diego) 
Outside the VA hospital in La Jolla on Jan. 29, 2026, nurses and staff honor slain nurse Alex Pretti. (Photo by Adrian Childress/Times of San Diego) 
In City Heights’ Teralta Park on Jan. 30, 2026, protesters take part in the National Day of Action to protest ICE following two deaths in Minneapolis. (Photo by Adrian Childress/Times of San Diego) 
In City Heights’ Teralta Park on Jan. 30, 2026, protesters take part in the National Day of Action to protest ICE following two deaths in Minneapolis. (Photo by Adrian Childress/Times of San Diego) 
Outside the VA hospital in La Jolla on Jan. 29, 2026, VA nurses and staff honor slain nurse Alex Pretti. (Photo by Adrian Childress/Times of San Diego) 
Outside the VA hospital in La Jolla on Jan. 29, 2026, VA nurses and staff honor slain nurse Alex Pretti. (Photo by Adrian Childress/Times of San Diego) 
Outside the VA hospital in La Jolla on Jan. 29, 2026, nurses and staff honor slain nurse Alex Pretti. (Photo by Adrian Childress/Times of San Diego)
As of 3:30 p.m., no unruly behavior or other problems related to the events had been reported, Sgt. Saum Poorsaleh said.
The demonstrations followed the fatal shootings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti by federal officers in Minnesota. Staff from the VA Medical Center in La Jolla held a vigil Thursday, kicking off 24 hours of events in San Diego, that included Friday’s rallies.
The medical staff held candles and signs bearing photos of Pretti, a nurse who treated veterans in Minneapolis until his death on Jan. 24.
Friday’s gatherings were part of an effort organized by University of Minnesota Black and Somali student groups. Organizers have dubbed the effort a “National Day of Action,” with the stated goal of stopping funding for ICE.
They called for a general strike Friday, with participants asked not to attend school or work, go shopping or patronize businesses in general.
In Hillcrest, the hour-long protest began at 3 p.m. on University Avenue at Normal Street and attracted around 350 people. They lined both sides of the street near University and Normal Street, chanting “This is what democracy looks like!” and “ICE must go!”
University remained open to traffic during the demonstration and many motorists in passing cars honked their horns as they drove by, seemingly in support of the participants.
“People across San Diego are choosing to walk out of school or work and join the day of action,” one local group, the Party for Socialism and Liberation, said in a news release. “Together, we will confront and put an end to ICE and the Trump regime’s campaign of terror and rogue state violence against our communities.”
With additional reporting by contributor Frank Sabatini Jr. and City News Service.
