A banner painted by artist Nicolás González-Medina features his latest piece, “Somos La Resistencia,” during the “Day of Resistance” demonstration in San Francisco, Calif., on Jan. 18, 2025. Photo: Pablo Unzueta for El Tecolote/CatchLight Local
As part of a community-led “Day of Resistance,” hundreds rallied in San Francisco’s Mission District on Saturday, chanting, “El pueblo organizado, no será deportado.” With a focus on immigrant, LGBTQ+, and women’s rights, the march was one of the first in a series of planned demonstrations responding to the incoming presidential administration.
“I’m here for the people who can’t come to this — for my family,” said Jazmin Ruiz, 17, draped in a large Mexican flag. While worried that her parents might face deportation, Ruiz said seeing the community come together gave her hope. “We can’t be sad,” she added. “We can’t be scared of that old man.”
The march, led by Aztec danzantes, began at 24th and Bryant Streets. Artists, musicians, and community members carried picket signs, flags and a large banner reading “Somos La Resistencia” as they moved through the Mission District. The event concluded at Dolores Park beneath the statue of Mexican independence leader Miguel Hidalgo, where participants gathered for a rally.
Danza Azteca dancers open the “Day of Resistance” demonstration with a ceremony in San Francisco’s Mission District on Jan. 18, 2025. Photo: Pablo Unzueta for El Tecolote/CatchLight Local
“We have to do this together,” said Olga Talamante, a prominent Chicana political activist. “We have to stay united. We have to stay strong.”
Among the chants were songs urging immigrants to know their rights and remain silent when confronted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials. Volunteers distributed flyers promoting upcoming immigrant workshops, meetups, and resource fairs aimed at educating and defending vulnerable communities.
“We’re immigrants, and we know this is a worrying time for our community,” said Blanca Fabiola Catalán, who attended the protest with her son, a DACA beneficiary. “But we’re here to show Trump and everyone who is against us that we’re prepared for whatever they bring our way — and that we are united.”
Families with children gather on 24th Street during the “Day of Resistance” demonstration in San Francisco, Calif., on Jan. 18, 2025. Photo: Pablo Unzueta for El Tecolote/CatchLight LocalCuca Gomez, a Local 87 union member, chants with hundreds of protesters on Mission Street during the “Day of Resistance” demonstration in San Francisco, Calif., on Jan. 18, 2025. Photo: Pablo Unzueta for El Tecolote/CatchLight LocalPeople gather on 24th Street during the “Day of Resistance” demonstration in San Francisco, Calif., on Jan. 18, 2025. Photo: Pablo Unzueta for El Tecolote/CatchLight LocalDiana Medina, 60, chants alongside demonstrators in front of her storefront, Diju Jewelry, on 24th Street during the “Day of Resistance” demonstration in San Francisco, Calif., on Jan. 18, 2025. Photo: Pablo Unzueta for El Tecolote/CatchLight LocalDanza Azteca dancers perform on 24th Street for the “Day of Resistance” demonstration in San Francisco, Calif., on Jan. 18, 2025. With just two days before United States President Donald Trump gets inaugurated, hundreds of people marched in San Francisco, while thousands marched across U.S. cities. Photo: Pablo Unzueta for El Tecolote/CatchLight LocalZair Gonzalez, 29, holds his 6-year-old daughter during the “Day of Resistance” demonstration on 24th Street in San Francisco, Calif., on Jan. 18, 2025.Danza Azteca dancers open the “Day of Resistance” demonstration with a ceremony in San Francisco’s Mission District on Jan. 18, 2025. Photo: Pablo Unzueta for El Tecolote/CatchLight LocalProtesters are reflected in the windows of La Victoria Bakery on 24th Street during the “Day of Resistance” demonstration in San Francisco, Calif., on Jan. 18, 2025. Photo: Pablo Unzueta for El Tecolote/CatchLight LocalArtist Nicolás González-Medina, 38, distributes posters featuring his latest piece, “Somos La Resistencia,” during the “Day of Resistance” demonstration in San Francisco, Calif., on Jan. 18, 2025. Photo: Pablo Unzueta for El Tecolote/CatchLight LocalA Donald Trump supporter confronts demonstrators during the “Day of Resistance” march in San Francisco, Calif., on Jan. 18, 2025. Photo: Pablo Unzueta for El Tecolote/CatchLight LocalA Donald Trump supporter has her sign abruptly snatched by a man during the “Day of Resistance” demonstration in San Francisco, Calif., on Jan. 18, 2025. Photo: Pablo Unzueta for El Tecolote/CatchLight LocalCommuters at the 24th Street BART Plaza observe the “Day of Resistance” demonstration in San Francisco, Calif., on Jan. 18, 2025. Photo: Pablo Unzueta for El Tecolote/CatchLight LocalDanza Azteca dancers open the “Day of Resistance” demonstration with a ceremony in San Francisco’s Mission District on Jan. 18, 2025. Photo: Pablo Unzueta for El Tecolote/CatchLight LocalA young boy watches people march from a storefront on 24th Street for the “Day of Resistance” demonstration in San Francisco, Calif., on Jan. 18, 2025. With just two days before United States President Donald Trump gets inaugurated, hundreds of people marched in San Francisco, while thousands marched across U.S. cities. Photo: Pablo Unzueta for El Tecolote/CatchLight Local
Mariana Duran is a bilingual reporter for El Tecolote through UC Berkeley's California Local News Fellowship. Her work has also been featured in the Los Angeles Times and the San Luis Obispo Tribune.
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