Thousands gathered statewide for the "ICE Out for Good" weekend of action, protesting against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) following the fatal shooting of Renée Nicole Good by an ICE agent in Minneapolis. In Huntington Beach, approximately 300 demonstrators voiced their anger, with some, like Ron Duplantis, viewing the shooting as murder based on video evidence. While the Huntington Beach protest was largely peaceful, it experienced moments of tension, with around 300 protesters and two dozen counterprotesters present. Protesters chanted "ICE out of O.C." and displayed signs, while motorists showed mixed reactions, some in solidarity and others shouting support for ICE and President Trump.
The Trump administration, through Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, defended the ICE agent involved, Jonathan Ross, stating he acted in self-defense. However, many Democrats and the public have questioned these assertions, citing social media videos that appear to contradict the official account. Protesters like Tony Zarkades expressed outrage over Good's death and alleged government deception, with some considering relocation due to the political climate in Huntington Beach. Similar large protests occurred in the Bay Area, Sacramento, and other California cities, though some, like one in Oakland, resulted in graffiti. In Los Angeles, a dispersal order was issued by the LAPD during a Saturday night march. The protests also acknowledged Keith Porter Jr., killed by an off-duty ICE agent on New Year's Eve.
In Huntington Beach, counterprotesters, including Kelly Johnson and Jesse Huizar, expressed support for ICE and President Trump, with Johnson calling the anti-ICE protesters "paid agitators" and Huizar suggesting Good's death could have been avoided if she had complied. Despite these counter-arguments, the anti-ICE demonstration saw a significant turnout, with organizers noting it was one of their largest gatherings. Participants, like Denise G., expressed determination and a sense of urgency, emphasizing that the issue could affect anyone. Others, such as Yvonne Gonzales and Christie Martinez, highlighted their outrage over the shooting and broader ICE violence, with Martinez also touching upon concerns of racial targeting in immigration enforcement actions.