Protesters hold signs during a demonstration Saturday, Feb. 7, at the intersection of Highway 99 and Highway 20 near the Yuba Sutter Marketplace in Yuba City, voicing concerns over U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity and immigration enforcement policies. Photo by Shamaya Sutton

YUBA-SUTTER, CA (MPG) - Local protests over perceived violence by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement against immigrants have taken place across the Yuba-Sutter area in recent days.

On Saturday, Feb. 7, picketers gathered at the intersection of Highway 99 and Highway 20 near the Yuba Sutter Marketplace in Yuba City. Additional protesters assembled near the 10th Street Bridge in Marysville, with some later joining the Yuba City group in the afternoon. It was reported that U.S. Rep. Mike Thompson, who is running for re-election in the redrawn Fourth Congressional District, joined demonstrators at both locations.

Student-led walkouts were also organized in response to ICE activity. The first occurred in the Yuba City Unified School District on Wednesday, Feb. 11, shortly before noon. Andros Karperos School Principal Rocco Greco informed parents in an email that participating students planned to walk to the Chevron on Walton Road before continuing to the WinCo parking lot on Franklin Road.

“As your principal, my top priority is the safety and well-being of every student under our care,” Greco wrote. “At Andros Karperos, we respect our students’ First Amendment rights to peacefully assemble and exercise free speech. We believe in the importance of student voice; however, we must also ensure a secure and orderly learning environment for everyone…We encourage you to talk with your children about civic engagement as well as the importance of regular attendance.”

Yuba City High School administrators also notified families after approximately 200 students left campus during a break to participate in a protest.

“This email is to inform you that about 200 students left campus during the break to participate in a student-led protest. This is not a school-supported event,” the email stated. “The group was last seen traveling north on Clark Ave. Please be aware that while we have monitored the departure, the school is no longer able to provide direct supervision once students leave the perimeter.”

In Marysville, walkouts were reported Friday, Feb. 13, with some students gathering at the Marysville High School bus loop before marching to Washington Square Park. Districts advised parents that attendance would be recorded in accordance with district policy and state requirements, which typically result in an unexcused absence in such situations. Regular instruction continued for students who did not participate.

Local law enforcement agencies also issued public statements.

“The Yuba City Police Department is aware of a student-organized protest that has resulted in a large number of juveniles walking throughout various areas of the city today,” the department stated.

“At this time, officers are not actively monitoring or escorting the movement of pedestrians unless a criminal violation occurs or a call for service is received…We would like to remind parents and guardians that they are responsible for the supervision and well-being of their children during school hours and throughout the day.”