In a vibrant display of solidarity and defiance, immigrant rights advocates in San Francisco, California, took to the streets outside City Hall. Their mission? To vehemently denounce President Donald Trump’s controversial new travel ban that came into effect recently. This measure has sparked outrage by targeting citizens from numerous countries across Africa and the Middle East.
The atmosphere was charged with emotion as protesters voiced their opposition to what they deemed an “illegal and discriminatory
” ban. Among the crowd, Mohammed Cheikh, organizing director of the Arab Resource and Organizing Center, declared with unwavering determination, “
We will resist and we will protect our communities in the face of this brutal escalation.
”
Trump’s new ban casts a wide net, forbidding entry into the United States for citizens hailing from countries such as Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti , Iran, Libya, Somalia , Sudan ,and Yemen. Additionally , it imposes heightened restrictions on individuals from Burundi,Cuba , Laos , Sierra Leone,Togo,Turkmenistan and Venezuela who are residing outside the US without a valid visa.
Local elected officials in San Francisco stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the demonstrators vowing to fight back against what they perceive as an unjust policy. Member of The San Francisco Board of Supervisors Bilal Mahmood made a resounding declaration stating,”
This isn’t just talk; we’re taking action.” He went on to announce plans for introducing legislation that fully supports the right to protest within San Francisco. Mahmood emphasized that every individual in San Francisco should be able to exercise their First Amendment rights without fear.
Furthermore,Mahmood revealed his upcoming collaboration with the Public Defender’s Office to enhance their Immigrant Defense Unit—a clear signal that their resolve knows no bounds.
As tensions escalate across California due to Trump administration’s broader immigration crackdown,crowds also gathered in Los Angeles echoing sentiments against these harsh policies.Hours later,the response was swift – Trump deployed 2 000 National Guard members first,Later followed by additional 2 000 Guard troops along with 700 Marines pouring into LA—underscoring a deepening divide between federal authorities and local communities.
