ANTIOCH — Nayeli is four months pregnant. Fearful over the prospect of being detained by authorities if she steps outside of her home, she has yet to visit a doctor to check on her first unborn child.
The 37-year-old, who asked that her last name not be used for this story, entered the United States illegally when her mother brought her from Mexico, their home country. The U.S. has been Nayeli’s home since she was 2.
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“I’m scared. It’s devastating because although Mexico is my country, I’ve been here for 35 years,” she said. “I’d be lost out there (if I’m deported). I’m scared.”
Her pregnancy has added even more stress. Nayeli is worried she could be separated from her child and husband, who is an American citizen.
“I’d be lost and heartbroken to be separated from my family,” she said.
Despite her fears, Nayeli was among many who showed up last Friday in Antioch to protest against federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activities and President Donald Trump’s promise of mass deportations.
With a majority representing immigrant communities, more than 50 people gathered outside Antioch Police Department with messages such as “Don’t bite the hands that feed you,” “My parents are not criminals for wanting to give me a better life,” and “Nobody is illegal on stolen land.” The group then marched to A Street, braving the cold weather and light rain.
Brittney Briceno, an organizer of the rally, said the gathering was meant to show solidarity.
“We want them to know that they are not alone. They are silenced due to fear,” said Briceno, who also has loved ones that could be affected by Trump’s plans. “We are that voice for them. It’s sad to see communities here living in fear.”
A resident who wished to be identified as Brianna said she attended the rally to “show up” for those who live in fear of being detained.
“I just think it’s really unfair with everything that’s happening. I have family members who are immigrants too,” the 20-year-old said.
College students Vanessa Carrillo and Guadalupe Gama said their families came to the U.S. to provide a better life for their children and have helped the country prosper.
“This has to end. It cannot be the next four years of our lives,” said Gama.
Among those who attended the rally were District 1 Councilmember Tamisha Torres-Walker and former Antioch Mayor Lamar Hernandez Thorpe.
Hernandez-Thorpe said he was “exceptionally proud” of the Antioch Police Department, which made it clear that they will not participate in ICE activities or raids.
“But the silence from the City Hall is deafening. You cannot rely on the police department alone. We need to hear it from all the leaders, including the new mayor,” said Hernandez-Thorpe. “You’re either with us or with Trump. Pick a side. We are on the side of hardworking people.”
Councilmembers Torres-Walker and Louie Rocha previously voiced their concerns. Rocha hoped Antioch would communicate the city’s stance on ICE and ensure the community is well informed – so far, the city has remained silent. He also requested that the city have a safe place where migrants can come and ask questions without being identified by authorities.
Torres-Walker said the immigrant community has been “constantly under attack.” She said it was a hard fight to get the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office to end its lucrative contract with ICE in 2018.
“We’ve been fighting to stop families from being separated and deported simply because of the challenge of unrealistic borders and not wanting you to have access to what we call the ‘American Dream,’ which is a myth for a lot of us,” said Torres-Walker.
She said some continue to live in fear and in the shadows, working hard to ensure their families have a better life.
“Do not be afraid or willfully comply. Continue to stand strong,” said Torres-Walker. “Farm and frontline workers are essential to this community, and you are the community. We stand in solidarity with you.”
Last week, some East Bay police departments said they would not participate in ICE raids. The Antioch Police Department said it is committed to the community’s safety and protection, regardless of immigration status, and will not enforce federal immigration laws.
“We do not ask people about their immigration status for law enforcement purposes. We do not detain people for civil violations of immigration,” said the Antioch Police Department in a statement. “Applications for federal immigration assistance must go through a supervisor and are only considered in emergency cases. Public safety for all is our priority.”
The Brentwood Police Department also assured the community that officers will not ask an individual’s immigration status. However, officers will take action in situations that involve public safety threats, apprehension of dangerous felons that pose an ongoing risk to the community, or emergencies that require the intervention of law enforcement officers.
Pittsburg Police Department Chief Steve Albanese said his department is dedicated to serving all community members “with professionalism and respect.”
“We are here to serve and protect our community, apprehend those involved in criminal conduct, and respond to emergency situations,” said Albanese. “The men and women of the Pittsburg Police Department are committed to creating and maintaining a community where everyone feels safe.”
