Activists protest ICE and data center construction in Gilroy
Activists and community members in Gilroy, California, protested the construction of a new Amazon data center, alongside calls for the abolition of ICE and concerns about Flock security cameras. Protesters expressed fears about the data center's presence and the impact of an ICE processing facility on the local immigrant community.
In Gilroy, California, migrant activists and community members held a march on Sunday, protesting several issues including the abolition of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the ongoing construction of a massive Amazon data center. Concerns were also raised about the use of Flock security cameras.
The protest's first stop was the Amazon data center construction site. Samantha Rojas, a protester, voiced fears that an immigration detention center could be built at the site of the now-closed FCI Dublin, and highlighted concerns about health conditions within ICE detention facilities. Manny, a migrant advocate, urged local and city leaders in self-proclaimed sanctuary jurisdictions to do more to ensure the safety of their immigrant communities.
Demonstrators also marched to the ICE Processing Facility on Whole School Road. Kyle, a teacher at Gilroy High School, shared that the proximity of the ICE facility has instilled fear in some of his students and their parents, affecting their sense of safety even for routine activities like grocery shopping. Protesters emphasized the importance of fighting for their community, expressing encouragement from the diverse turnout standing up for vulnerable populations in Gilroy.