Protesters Rally at Fruitvale Plaza Against Deportations

Demonstrators in Oakland's Fruitvale neighborhood opposed federal immigration detentions in the East Bay after several recent arrests.

Updated on Nov. 9, 2026 in Immigration

Protesters Rally at Fruitvale Plaza Against Deportations

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Protesters gathered Sunday at Fruitvale Plaza in Oakland to oppose federal immigration deportations in the East Bay, an event organized by the Party for Socialism and Liberation. The demonstration followed reports that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detained at least five people in the East Bay on Thursday and that four people were picked up in Oakland on Saturday.

Why it matters

The protest reflects local opposition to federal immigration enforcement reaching into Oakland and surrounding East Bay communities. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin has stated that deportations will continue regardless of election results, keeping the issue active for residents.

At least five people were detained by ICE in the East Bay on Thursday, and a rapid response group reports four people were picked up in Oakland on Saturday. ICE confirmed the Thursday figure, while the Oakland count comes from the local group and has not been independently verified.

The players

Party for Socialism and Liberation

A U.S. socialist political organization that organized the Fruitvale Plaza demonstration against federal deportations.

Markwayne Mullin

The U.S. Homeland Security Secretary who stated that deportations will continue regardless of election results.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement

The federal agency responsible for immigration enforcement that confirmed at least five detentions in the East Bay.

Alameda County Sheriff's Office

The county law enforcement agency that stated its policy of not assisting ICE operations and has observed increased federal enforcement near Santa Rita Jail.

The details

Protesters gathered at Fruitvale Plaza on Sunday, November 8, 2026, to oppose federal deportations across the East Bay. The Alameda County Sheriff's office said it does not assist ICE operations, and it has observed increased federal enforcement activity outside Santa Rita Jail.

Thursday, week of November 5, 2026: At least five people were detained in the East Bay.
Saturday, week of November 5, 2026: Four people were picked up in Oakland.
Sunday, November 8, 2026: Protest held at Fruitvale Plaza and the Sheriff's office issued its statement.

Legal Context

The East Bay detentions follow similar federal arrests reported outside Monterey County's facility in October 2026, suggesting a recurring pattern of enforcement near detention sites. The Alameda County Sheriff's office's non-cooperation policy places local law enforcement at odds with the federal agency conducting these arrests.

Residents in Oakland and the East Bay face ongoing federal immigration detentions and enforcement activity near detention facilities. The Sheriff's office has stated it will not assist ICE operations, which shapes how local agencies respond when residents are detained.

The takeaway

Federal immigration enforcement continues across the East Bay, and local officials and residents are responding through protest and local policy. Residents seeking to understand their rights during enforcement actions can monitor official county and city announcements.