While Los Angeles rioted, hundreds of protesters gathered peacefully in downtown Fresno, protesting immigration raids in California.

With chants of “La Migra has got to go,” and “abolish ICE,” speakers in Spanish and English advocated for immigrants.

Protesters met shortly before noon in the plaza at the Robert E. Coyle United States Courthouse at the corner of Tulare and M streets. The May 1st Coalition organized the event.

When not trying to find shade, many people gathered along the sidewalk, with signs and flags.

“I’m here for the children who are being separated from their homes. It’s a shame that you turn on the news and you see kids that are being placed into … We don’t know where they’re being taken. That is abduction to me,” said one protester who did not want to provide her name.

David Alvarez Sr., a retired Marine sergeant, spoke briefly to the crowd, from beneath a pop-up awning. He disagrees with the use of the military to enforce immigration law.

“I served this country so I could protect this Constitution and I just don’t see how we can do this when we call in the militia and the military to do the opposite thing of what I had, what I believe now and what I believed then,” Alvarez said.

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Local Leaders Join the Demonstration

GV Wire spotted several elected leaders from Fresno and Kerman.

Fresno City Councilmember Nelson Esparza, who is also running for state Senate in 2026, said he attended to support First Amendment rights. He called President Trump’s use of the National Guard “unconscionable.”

“It seems like the administration is provoking folks. The National Guard seems to be a really unnecessary measure to stoke emotion and stoke the folks who are out there peacefully protesting,” Esparza said.

Others attending the protest included Fresno City Councilmembers Annalisa Perea and Miguel Arias and State Center Community College Trustee Nasreen Johnson.

Perea is running for state Assembly in 2026, as is nonprofit CEO Sandra Celedon, for the 31st District seat. Celedon delivered a fiery speech in Spanish.

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Kerman Mayor Maria Pacheco, flanked by fellow city councilmember Ismael Herrera, criticized Trump during her speech.

“These unfair fear tactics from Trump’s administration are distractions, divisions. A desperate attack to hold on to power by tearing communities apart,” Pacheco said.

Pacheco encouraged attendees to vote.

Across the street, Fresno County Supervisors Nathan Magsig and Garry Bredefeld watched part of the festivities. Magsig said he was there on his lunch break.

“They’re sharing opinions which I don’t necessarily agree with, but they’re doing it peacefully. And I fully support their First Amendment right to be out here.” Magsig said.

No Visible Incidents

Protesters remained in the plaza area, and avoided the entrance to the courthouse. While crowded, a walkable path along sidewalks remained. No one blocked the street.

Fresno police prepared for the protest.

“We are aware of the protest and have a plan in place. As with any potential larger event, in our city, we will have adequate staffing to make sure everyone attending the protest is safe along with the surrounding community,” Lt. Larry Bowlan told GV Wire Monday morning.

Said Fresno County Sheriff John Zanoni: “We respect the right of people to peacefully protest.  Blocking public spaces, destroying property and violence, which is riotous behavior, will not be tolerated. The Sheriff’s Office is prepared to respond and assist other law enforcement agencies and take action should any criminal activity take place during a protest.”

Law enforcement personnel weren’t visibly present at the protest.

Protesters and law enforcement clashed in Los Angeles over the weekend, over reports of ICE raids, and Trump sending in the National Guard without the consent of Gov. Gavin Newsom.

Central Valley Lawmakers Respond to Los Angeles Riots

Several Central Valley congressmembers reacted to the Los Angeles riots.

“For the first time since the 1960s, a U.S. President has deployed the National Guard into a state of our nation without the governor’s request. This is not leadership — it’s an effort to score political points.

“The fundamental right to peaceful freedom of speech must be protected. From Los Angeles to Fresno, Californians are raising their voice, but we must do so peacefully. Violence is never the answer,” said Rep. Jim Costa, D-Fresno, in a news release.

“@GavinNewsom siding with violent mobs in LA attacking law enforcement officers is sad and disgraceful. @POTUS is acting to restore law and order while local leaders refuse to acknowledge the consequences of their failed policies. We cannot allow this chaos to fester and threaten the safety of our communities,” Rep. Vince Fong, R-Bakersfield, posted on X.

Rep. Tom McClintock, R-Elk Grove, was equally critical.

“Democrats encouraging the violent rebellion against federal law enforcement should be ashamed and those inciting it should be prosecuted. As Lincoln said to their disgraced predecessors, ‘There is no grievance that is a fit object of redress by mob law,’ ” McClintock posted on X.

Both congressmembers represent parts of Fresno.

Rep. David Valadao, R-Kings County, called the violence and vandalism in Los Angeles “unacceptable.”

“I stand with our law enforcement officers working to protect people and regain control over the situation,” Valadao said. “I remain concerned about ongoing ICE operations throughout our state and will continue my conversations with the administration — urging them to prioritize the removal of known criminals over the hardworking people who have lived peacefully in the Central Valley for years.”