Key Takeaways
• Hundreds marched 40 miles from Vacaville to Sacramento on June 9, 2025, protesting stricter immigration enforcement.
• California houses 10.4 million immigrants; 1.85 million undocumented face increased detention and deportation risks.
• Trump’s 2025 orders include border wall construction, limiting birthright citizenship, and closing the CBP One app.
Hundreds March to Sacramento’s Capitol in Support of Immigrants Amid Policy Crackdown
On Monday, June 9, 2025, the streets of Sacramento filled with the voices and footsteps of hundreds of demonstrators. They gathered at the Capitol after a 40-mile march from Vacaville, making a clear statement: immigrants and their supporters are not backing down, even as federal immigration enforcement grows stricter under President Trump’s administration. This demonstration, one of the largest in recent months, highlights the growing tension between federal immigration policies and California’s efforts to protect its immigrant communities.
Who was involved? Immigrant families, advocates, and activists from across California, including people who themselves are immigrants, joined the march. What happened? They completed a long, peaceful walk and rallied at the Capitol to protest recent immigration enforcement actions and demand comprehensive reform. When and where? The march began on Saturday, June 7, in Vacaville and ended on Monday, June 9, at the California State Capitol in Sacramento. Why? The demonstration was a direct response to recent federal actions, including large-scale deportations and the deployment of National Guard troops in Los Angeles, as well as the detention of a prominent labor leader. How? Through peaceful protest, solidarity, and public demonstration, participants aimed to draw attention to the urgent need for immigration reform and protections for vulnerable communities.
Let’s take a closer look at what led to this march, the current policy landscape, and what it means for immigrants in California and beyond.
The March to Sacramento: Voices of Courage and Solidarity
The march began with about 350 people in Vacaville, but as it moved toward Sacramento, more joined, swelling the crowd to hundreds by the time they reached the Capitol. The demonstration was peaceful, with participants carrying signs, chanting, and sharing personal stories.
Danny Selaya, an activist from Oakland, summed up the mood: “It shows that the movement continues to grow because, despite Trump’s failed attempts to try to scare the community, we’re out here. We’re taking to the streets.” Many marchers were immigrants themselves, risking their own safety by joining such a public protest. Renee Saucedo, a North Bay immigrant rights activist, praised their bravery: “What courage they have to do this long walk, to attend peaceful protests, knowing that they could be picked up at any minute.”
The demonstration was not just about numbers; it was about unity. People from different backgrounds—students, workers, families, and longtime advocates—stood together, showing that support for immigrants in California remains strong.
Why Sacramento? The Capitol as a Symbol and a Stage
Sacramento’s Capitol is more than just a government building. For many, it represents the heart of California’s political power and a place where laws affecting millions are made. By ending their march at the Capitol, demonstrators sent a message directly to lawmakers: California’s immigrant communities are watching, and they expect action.
The timing was also important. The march came just days after major protests in Los Angeles, where federal agents carried out large-scale arrest and deportation operations. These actions, led by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and other federal agencies, created fear and anger in immigrant communities across the state.
Recent Events Fueling the Movement
Los Angeles Protests and National Guard Deployment
The Sacramento rally was closely linked to events in Los Angeles, where clashes broke out over the weekend after ICE and other federal agents arrested and deported large numbers of people. The Trump administration’s decision to send National Guard troops to Los Angeles added to the tension.
California lawmakers, including Congressmember Sam Liccardo from Palo Alto, criticized the move. Liccardo said, “Leave urban policing to the experts. We don’t need the military involved. This deployment of National Guard troops is a reckless use of the very good and well-intentioned citizens who serve in our National Guard.”
The use of military force in city streets alarmed many, fueling protests not only in Los Angeles but also in other cities, including Sacramento.
Detention of a Labor Leader
Another key event was the detention of David Huerta, a well-known leader of SEIU California. Huerta, who has spent years fighting for better wages and rights for workers, was arrested at an immigration protest. His detention became a rallying point for many, especially among California Democrats, who see him as a symbol of the fight for immigrant rights.
The Changing Immigration Policy Landscape
New Executive Orders and Enforcement
Since President Trump returned to office in January 2025, his administration has issued several executive orders that have changed the way immigration is handled in the United States 🇺🇸. These orders focus on:
- Border security: Building a physical wall and sending more personnel to the southern border.
- Visa screening: Making it harder for people to get visas by increasing background checks.
- Birthright citizenship: Trying to limit automatic citizenship for children born in the United States 🇺🇸 to non-citizen parents.
- Asylum and refugee programs: Canceling many of the protections put in place during President Biden’s term, including suspending the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program.
- CBP One app closure: The administration’s “Guaranteeing the States Protection Against Invasion” proclamation (Proclamation 10888) has closed the CBP One app, making it almost impossible to apply for asylum at the border.
These changes have made it much harder for people to enter or stay in the United States 🇺🇸 legally, especially for those fleeing violence or seeking a better life.
Increased ICE Activity and Detention
ICE now has a federal order to arrest and deport undocumented immigrants accused of violent crimes. This has led to more ICE agents in neighborhoods, schools, and workplaces, creating fear among immigrants.
The Laken Riley Act has made things even tougher. Now, immigrants can be detained for minor offenses like shoplifting, leading to more people being locked up. The government has even reopened Guantánamo Bay for immigration detention, with plans to hold up to 30,000 people there.
Legal Challenges and State Pushback
Court Battles Over Executive Orders
Some of the Trump administration’s new orders have already been challenged in court. The attempt to end birthright citizenship, for example, was blocked by a federal judge, who said it goes against the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. As of March 2025, this order is on hold while the courts decide if it’s legal.
Sanctuary Laws and State Protections
California, along with states like Illinois and New York, has laws that limit how much local police can help ICE. These are called sanctuary laws. The federal government is now suing states with these laws, arguing that they interfere with federal immigration enforcement.
In response, California lawmakers are working on new bills to protect immigrants in places like homeless shelters and other semi-public spaces. These efforts show that the state is trying to shield its immigrant residents from federal crackdowns.
For more information about California’s sanctuary laws and immigrant protections, readers can visit the California Department of Justice’s Immigration Resources page.
The Impact on California’s Immigrants
California’s Immigrant Population by the Numbers
California is home to about 10.4 million immigrants, the largest number in any state in the United States 🇺🇸. Nearly half of all children in California have at least one immigrant parent, and more than one-third of working-age adults were born outside the country.
Of these, about 1.85 million are undocumented. These individuals are at the highest risk of being detained or deported under the new policies. The threat of family separation is real, and many families live in fear that a loved one could be taken away at any time.
Economic and Social Effects
Immigrants are a vital part of California’s economy. They work in agriculture, technology, hospitality, and many other industries. Stricter enforcement could lead to labor shortages, hurting businesses and the state’s economy.
Children with immigrant parents may face trauma and uncertainty, especially if their families are split up by deportation. Schools, health clinics, and community groups are seeing more people asking for help and information about their rights.
Legal Status, Asylum, and Temporary Protection
Asylum Seekers
For those who have already applied for asylum and are waiting for a decision, their cases are still moving forward. They can also renew their work permits. However, new asylum applications can only be filed from inside the United States 🇺🇸—not at the border, since the CBP One app is closed.
People with pending asylum cases can apply for a work permit 150 days after their application is received. The official form for applying for asylum is Form I-589, and for a work permit, it is Form I-765.
Temporary Protected Status (TPS)
TPS is a program that lets people from certain countries stay and work in the United States 🇺🇸 if it’s unsafe for them to return home. Most TPS holders can still keep their status, but for Haitians and Venezuelans, the protection period has been shortened, and they may have to leave sooner.
CHNV Parole Program
The CHNV parole program—for people from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, or Venezuela—is ending on April 24, 2025. After that date, people from these countries will not be able to apply for this special protection.
What’s Next? The Road Ahead for Immigrants and Advocates
The demonstration at the Sacramento Capitol was not just a one-time event. It’s part of a larger movement that has been building for months, fueled by frustration, fear, and hope.
Renee Saucedo explained, “This walk and the protests that are happening in L.A. and other parts of the country are really a culmination of many months of endurance and suffering.” Protesters know that California’s government is generally supportive of immigrants, but they hope their actions will inspire change at the national level.
Bernice Espinosa, a former public defender who joined the march, said, “As an attorney, I swore to defend the Constitution against enemies foreign and domestic. And that includes the president.” Her words reflect the determination of many in the movement to keep fighting, no matter how difficult things get.
Implications for Stakeholders
For Immigrants
- Increased risk of detention and deportation, especially for those without legal status or with minor criminal records
- Uncertainty about legal protections, as court battles over executive orders continue
- Fear and anxiety in daily life, affecting families, children, and whole communities
For Employers and the Economy
- Potential labor shortages in key industries if immigrant workers are detained or deported
- Disruption to businesses that rely on immigrant labor
For Lawmakers and Advocates
- Pressure to pass new state laws to protect immigrants and push back against federal enforcement
- Ongoing legal battles over the limits of state and federal power in immigration matters
Practical Guidance for Immigrants and Supporters
- Know your rights: Immigrants should carry information about their legal rights and have a plan in case of ICE encounters. Community organizations often provide “Know Your Rights” cards and workshops.
- Stay informed: Laws and policies are changing quickly. Trusted sources like USCIS.gov and the California Department of Justice offer up-to-date information.
- Seek legal help: Those facing deportation or with questions about their status should consult a qualified immigration attorney. Free or low-cost legal services are available in many communities.
- Get involved: Supporters can join local advocacy groups, attend rallies, and contact lawmakers to express their views.
Conclusion: Sacramento’s Capitol as a Beacon for Immigrant Rights
The march to Sacramento’s Capitol was a powerful reminder that, even in difficult times, immigrants and their allies will not be silent. As reported by VisaVerge.com, these demonstrations show the strength and resilience of California’s immigrant communities, even as they face new threats from federal policy changes.
The situation remains uncertain, with legal battles, new laws, and ongoing protests shaping the future for millions. But one thing is clear: the voices heard at the Capitol on June 9, 2025, are part of a movement that is determined to keep fighting for justice, dignity, and a place in the only home many have ever known.
Learn Today
ICE → U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, responsible for enforcing immigration laws and deportations.
Sanctuary Laws → State laws limiting local cooperation with federal immigration enforcement to protect undocumented immigrants.
Executive Orders → Directives issued by the president to manage federal government operations, affecting immigration policy.
Temporary Protected Status (TPS) → A program allowing foreign nationals to live and work temporarily in the U.S. due to unsafe conditions in their home countries.
CBP One App → Online system for applying for asylum at the U.S. border; recently closed by federal proclamation.
This Article in a Nutshell
On June 9, 2025, hundreds marched 40 miles to Sacramento’s Capitol, protesting Trump administration’s harsh immigration policies that threaten California’s large immigrant community and demand comprehensive reform to protect vulnerable populations.
— By VisaVerge.com
