Overview
- Valentine’s Day demonstrations drew hundreds to Oakland’s Lake Merritt and Concord, where participants called for immigration agents to stay out of local neighborhoods.
- Organizers pledged practical support for immigrant families, including court rides, food distribution, and outreach to help businesses prepare for possible visits by agents.
- Oakland activists urged the city to dismantle its Flock camera system over surveillance concerns, noting the City Council’s December contract renewal added data‑sharing limits that they view as insufficient.
- The rallies unfolded during a partial DHS shutdown, though reporting says ICE operations continue under prior funding, as Rep. Mark DeSaulnier pressed for reforms such as body cameras and judicial warrants for home entries.
- A woman detained by immigration agents in San Francisco on Friday was ordered released by a judge, while Concord leaders anticipate more cases and likely greater ICE presence following San Francisco’s court closure next year.