Category: Immigration

Protests and informational sessions support immigrant communities ImmSchools: Public schools can create a safe environment

photo by Julian Mendoza
Kassandra Ramondo (left) and Lizette Pilar

by Julian Mendoza
posted Feb. 12

Hundreds of people gathered on Chico State’s campus Feb. 5 for a peaceful march in what was one of several recent local protests advocating for immigrant rights.

“I think it’s super important that people understand and know that immigrants do make the backbone of our country,” said Lizette Pilar, program coordinator at Chico State’s Gender & Sexuality Equity Coalition. “Especially in agriculture, a lot of our pickers are illegal immigrants or undocumented.” read more

Protesters: Immigrants built America 'Un Día sin Inmigrantes' spurs protests in Butte County and elsewhere

photo by Yucheng Tang
Magdalen Riestra (middle in photo) organized a same-day protest for the Day without Immigrants. Some Chico State students stayed home from work or class.

by Yucheng Tang
posted Feb. 3

More than 100 people participated in a peaceful protest to show solidarity with immigrants today in Chico, and more hit the streets in Gridley and elsewhere in the state.

Participants marched around Chico State, danced spontaneously in City Plaza, and stood on the sidewalk next to the plaza, holding signs and shouting at passing vehicles. read more

People’s March on Chico prepares to fight for change Voting is important on everything from "dog-catcher to president"

by Yucheng Tang
posted Jan. 18

Hundreds of people joined the People’s March on Chico today, marching from City Plaza to the Women’s Club as many passing drivers honked in support, prompting cheers and screams from the protesters.

Lead coordinator of the People’s March Chico coalition and Women’s March Chico, Angela Silva, said the coalition formed in “response to Trump’s second election. We have welcomed in so many groups.” Silva said more than 500 people participated in the march and rally. read more

Fear Paralyzes Tiny Town in California’s Tulare County After Border Patrol raids, town of Poplar comes to a standstill

photo by Manuel Ortiz
Mari Pérez Ruíz of Community Valley Empowerment Alliance discusses the recent raids with a community of indigenous farmworkers in Tulare County.

by Peter Schurmann, EMS
posted Jan. 18

POPLAR, Ca. -– In the early 1970s, this unincorporated town in California’s agricultural heartland was designated by county officials as having “no authentic future.” That designation—entailing dramatic cuts to basic services remained until as recently as 2023.

Now, following a series of raids on immigrants that began on Jan. 7 in neighboring Kern County, residents here say the future does indeed look bleak. read more

Día de los Muertos inspira un redescubrimiento cultural Mejor comprensión de la tradición china que era parte de mi niñez

by Yucheng Tang
posted Nov. 19

Read in English here.

Al entrar al lugar llamado “The Barn” donde mucha gente estaba reunida para la celebración mexicana del Día de los Muertos el 2 de noviembre, yo no anticipé que tal celebración me haría reconsiderar un festival chino – Día de la Limpieza de las Tumbas – que fue parte de mi propia niñez. read more

Day of the Dead festivity leads to cultural rediscovery Understanding better the Chinese tradition that was part of my childhood

photo by Yucheng Tang
Folkloric dancers recently celebrated a lively and colorful Day of the Dead at Meriam Park.

by Yucheng Tang
posted Nov. 13

How can a day that’s about death feel like a huge party?

When I joined the crowd at The Barn at Meriam Park for a Nov. 2 celebration of Day of the Dead — a Mexican tradition called Día de los Muertos in Spanish — I didn’t expect it to lead me to reconsideration of a Chinese festival, Tomb Sweeping Day, that was part of my own childhood. read more