San Diego, January 24, 2026
Six protesters were arrested during a demonstration at San Diego City Hall, demanding action against ICE activities. They called for Mayor Todd Gloria to address their concerns about federal immigration enforcement. The mayor stressed the local police’s non-involvement in ICE operations. This protest reflects increasing community activism against federal immigration policies, with activist groups like Unión del Barrio monitoring ICE activities. Recent changes to federal regulations have heightened tensions over the ability to protest near federal property.
San Diego, California – Six Arrested During Anti-ICE Protest at Mayor’s Office
On January 23, 2026, six individuals were arrested after staging a protest inside San Diego City Hall, demanding action against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activities. The protesters entered a space adjacent to Mayor Todd Gloria’s office, refusing to leave until their demands were addressed. They displayed messages on the door reading “Welcome to the People’s Office” and outlined several requests from the local government. San Diego police responded by removing the barricade and arresting the protesters for trespassing. Potential charges for petty vandalism are under consideration as authorities assess any damage caused during the demonstration.
Mayor Gloria responded to the protest by stating that his staff had previously met with the group to discuss concerns about ICE operations and the role of local law enforcement. He emphasized that the San Diego Police Department does not participate in federal immigration enforcement, aligning with his executive order from July 2025. The mayor’s office has been actively engaging with community members to address these issues and has expressed a commitment to protecting the community from actions by ICE agents.
This protest is part of a broader movement in San Diego, where residents have been increasingly vocal about federal immigration enforcement. Activist groups like Unión del Barrio have been conducting community patrols to monitor and report ICE activities, aiming to prevent family separations and support immigrant rights. These patrols have been a response to heightened concerns over immigration policies and enforcement actions in the region.
In response to such demonstrations, the Department of Homeland Security implemented a rule change in November 2025, granting the Federal Protective Service more authority to charge individuals for various activities near federal property, including protests. This regulation has raised concerns among activists and community members about the potential impact on First Amendment rights and the ability to peacefully assemble.
As the situation continues to evolve, San Diego remains a focal point for discussions on immigration enforcement and community rights, with ongoing debates about the balance between federal authority and local activism.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What were the protesters demanding during the demonstration at San Diego City Hall?
The protesters were demanding that Mayor Todd Gloria take action against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activities and send clear directives to the San Diego Police Department regarding how they will protect the community from actions by ICE agents.
What charges are the protesters facing after their arrest?
The protesters were arrested for trespassing, and authorities are considering potential charges for petty vandalism as they assess any damage caused during the demonstration.
How has Mayor Todd Gloria responded to the protest?
Mayor Gloria stated that his staff had previously met with the group to discuss concerns about ICE operations and emphasized that the San Diego Police Department does not participate in federal immigration enforcement, aligning with his executive order from July 2025.
What is the role of Unión del Barrio in the San Diego community?
Unión del Barrio is an activist group conducting community patrols in San Diego to monitor and report ICE activities, aiming to prevent family separations and support immigrant rights. These patrols are a response to heightened concerns over immigration policies and enforcement actions in the region.
What recent changes have been made to federal regulations regarding protests near federal property?
In November 2025, the Department of Homeland Security implemented a rule change granting the Federal Protective Service more authority to charge individuals for various activities near federal property, including protests. This regulation has raised concerns among activists and community members about the potential impact on First Amendment rights and the ability to peacefully assemble.
Key Features of the Protest at San Diego City Hall
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | San Diego City Hall, adjacent to Mayor Todd Gloria’s office |
| Date | January 23, 2026 |
| Number of Arrests | Six protesters arrested for trespassing |
| Protesters’ Demands | Action against ICE activities and directives to protect the community from ICE agents |
| Mayor’s Response | Emphasized non-participation of San Diego Police Department in federal immigration enforcement |
| Community Activism | Unión del Barrio conducting community patrols to monitor and report ICE activities |
| Federal Regulation Change | Department of Homeland Security granted more authority to charge individuals for activities near federal property, including protests |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
San Diego Bike Shop Faces Tariff Challenges
San Diego State Falls to Grand Canyon in Last-Second Thriller
San Diego Police Arrest Two in Grant Hill Double Homicide
San Diego Hosts ‘Free America Walkout’ Protests
San Diego County Events Showcase Local Resilience
San Diego Rodeo Faces Protests Amid Animal Abuse Allegations
Canadian Airlines Relocate Operations to San Diego’s New Terminal 1
San Diego Police Department Investigates Use-of-Force Incident
San Diego Rodeo Revitalizes Native American Culture
Trump Proposes Ban on Institutional Investors in Housing Market
Author: STAFF HERE SAN DIEGO WRITER
The SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanDiego.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Diego, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Comic-Con International, San Diego County Fair, and San Diego Pride Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Diego County, plus leading businesses in biotechnology, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Qualcomm, Illumina, and Scripps Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
