Demonstrators during protests against expanded deportations efforts in Santa Ana and Orange County on June 9, 2025. Credit: JULIE LEOPO, Voice of OC
Orange County’s in for a series of protests today as part of a nationwide network of demonstrations known as the “No Kings” protest.
Santa Ana’s downtown is expected to have another day of protests alongside the “No Kings” protests, which are scheduled for Newport and Laguna Beach at noon, along with Anaheim later today.
Demonstrators are expected to begin protesting at 4 p.m. in Anaheim’s La Palma Park on the heels of this week’s immigration sweeps and the resulting protests against the federal immigration crackdown.
Anaheim Mayor Ashleigh Aitken condemned the raids in a Friday text message.
“I am both frightened and frustrated with the intentional targeting of our immigrant communities,” Aitken said. “As we approach Father’s Day, where families should be in our parks, churches, and restaurants. I cannot believe the cruelty that is being displayed by those that have promised to uphold the Constitution.”
The “No Kings” protest is expected to run until 7:30 p.m. in Anaheim, with organizing help from OC Indivisible, 50501 Orange County, Women’s March Orange County and Women for American Values and Ethics.
“Locally we’re pairing outrage about the authoritarian takeover of our government with a call to action to support our local communities. We will have many community organizations at the event sharing action items and information about what they do and how to pitch in,” reads a news release from organizers.
“The event will feature family-friendly activities, community organizations, sign-making, peaceful marching/protest along the sidewalk, music, special guest speakers, and more!” reads the news release.
“A core principle behind all No Kings events is a commitment to peaceful, nonviolent action. We expect all participants to seek to de-escalate any potential confrontation with those who disagree with our values.”
Beginning at noon, there’s “No Kings” protests scheduled in Newport Beach and Laguna Beach.
There’s also social media postings about a planned Santa Ana protest.
The upcoming protests come after daily demonstrations in Downtown Santa Ana – where the Ronald Reagan Federal Courthouse sits along with a nearby federal building that houses Immigration and Custom Enforcement offices.
National Guard and Ongoing ICE Sweeps
The California National Guard stations outside the Ronald Reagan Federal Building and United States Courthouse in Santa Ana on June 10, 2025. Credit: JULIE LEOPO, Voice of OC
California National Guardsmen have been directed by President Donald Trump to guard the federal building and Ronald Reagan courthouse.
There’s been numerous reports of ICE sweeps at car washes, Home Depots and other public places.
Federal agents have also been arresting people at immigration court and residents at the federal building doing their routine immigration check-ins, according to OC Rapid Response Network program coordinator Sandra De Anda.
In Orange County, De Anda estimates at least 50 people have been caught up in the immigration dragnet as of Thursday – noting many don’t have criminal records and are trying to obtain legal documentation.
On Thursday, Irvine city officials said an immigration sweep was coming to town that day, but didn’t have any more details about it on Friday.
“We’re going after people that are in work sites that are trafficking drugs, that are trafficking human beings,” she said. “We are going after those individuals that we have intelligence on.”
“Remember, this President has repeatedly said he’s going after criminals and the worst of the worst,” Noem told reporters on Thursday.
Santa Ana City Councilwoman Thai Viet Phan said the approach is disturbing.
“Ii would say it’s unbelievable except we’re seeing it all over the country and it’s incredibly disturbing and it’s sad. And it makes me so angry,” Phan said in a Friday phone interview.
‘I’m not shy saying I’m an immigrant, my parents are immigrants and I know so many people who are in mixed status families – and everyone’s afraid. Nobody should be afraid in their own homes,” Phan said.
Federal Agents Spotted in Anaheim
Federal agents lean against a federal van during an arrest outside the Santa Ana Immigration Court on May 28, 2025. Credit: ERIKA TAYLOR, Voice of OC
In Anaheim, federal agents were spotted in Pearson Park near city hall, according to a city social media post on Thursday.
Later that day, a protest of about 200 people kicked off in front of Angel Stadium, with demonstrators eventually marching down Orangewood Avenue to State College Boulevard as police officers redirected traffic away from the demonstration.
“An unlawful assembly was declared at 6:45 p.m. with demonstrators given ample time to leave, with all clearing out by about 11 p.m.,” city spokesman Mike Lyster said in a Friday email.
“As always, Anaheim Police, with the support of other agencies, is there to ensure everyone can peacefully express themselves. We encountered safety concerns when demonstrators blocked State College, one of the largest thoroughfares in our city, for an extended time. Some lit fireworks, which is not allowed, and threw objects, which is a concern for everyone’s safety,” Lyster said
He also said that no arrests were made and officers didn’t use any force on demonstrators.
Lyster also said city officials are pretty certain those were federal agents recently spotted in Ponderosa Park.
“After reviewing the video and hearing accounts, we have a high degree of confidence that the incident took place. We do not have any additional details about it,” Lyster said, adding that city hall employees and police officers are not aiding federal immigration efforts. .
“We do not have any details on how many people may have been impacted by activity this week,” he said.
Aitken, in her Friday text message, had some sharp words for people backing the current federal immigration sweeps.
“For those supporting this, may God have mercy on their souls.”
Editor’s note: Ashleigh Aitken’s father, Wylie Aitken, chairs Voice of OC’s board of directors.
Spencer Custodio is the civic editor. You can reach him at scustodio@voiceofoc.org. Follow him on Twitter @SpencerCustodio.
