A large group of people brave triple-digit temperatures to march along Ramon Rd. to protest the June 6 immigration raid in Cathedral City, Calif., June 7, 2025.
San Diego, California – Two separate protests took place in San Diego County on Sunday in response to a wave of recent immigration raids and the potential deployment of military personnel to American streets. Demonstrators gathered at Camp Pendleton and Chicano Park, voicing opposition to the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement tactics and the use of military force in domestic affairs.
At Camp Pendleton, protesters positioned themselves a block from the military base’s entrance, waving signs and flags aimed at reaching the Marines inside. Organizers selected the location to connect directly with active-duty service members, hoping to humanize the civilians potentially impacted by military intervention in protest responses. The protest remained peaceful, with demonstrators emphasizing unity and nonviolence.
Meanwhile, at Chicano Park in Barrio Logan, a separate group convened to protest what they see as a growing authoritarian response from the federal government. Attendees expressed disbelief over the rapid escalation of military involvement in civilian matters, citing concerns that civil liberties are being threatened under the guise of immigration control and public order.
Both protests drew small crowds, with attendance peaking at around 25 people at each location. Organizers acknowledged the limited turnout but emphasized ongoing efforts to mobilize larger numbers in the coming days. Many participants cited concern over the deployment of National Guard troops to Los Angeles and the possibility of Marine involvement from Camp Pendleton.
The demonstrations were sparked in part by President Donald Trump’s recent order deploying 2,000 troops nationwide, including 300 National Guard members who arrived in Los Angeles on Sunday morning. The move has been sharply criticized by California leaders, including Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, who labeled the deployment a chaotic overreach. Defense officials have not ruled out deploying additional forces, including Marines from Camp Pendleton.
In response, Tom Homan, the president’s designated “Border Czar,” defended the administration’s actions and suggested that state and local leaders who obstruct federal immigration operations could face legal consequences. Governor Newsom responded defiantly, placing blame for the unrest on the administration’s handling of immigration raids and rejecting any notion of personal accountability for protest activity.
Organizers say additional protests are planned in San Diego as the situation continues to unfold, with demonstrators pledging to oppose any future military deployment within U.S. cities.
