A peaceful demonstration drew nearly 50 people on Saturday, November 29, outside the Ayres Hotel San Diego South, where community groups protested the lodging of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) personnel in the area. The action was organized by local peace and democracy advocates, who reported that the presence of federal agents in hotels across Chula Vista and Otay had increased since the week prior.
The gathering began at 10 a.m. at the intersection of Birch Road and Millenia Avenue. According to organizer Janine Manchel, a member of the Indivisible movement, about 50 participants joined the event and received positive reactions from passersby throughout the march. Shortly before 11 a.m., demonstrators moved toward the Ayres Hotel, where Manchel said public support “grew even stronger.”
During the protest, participants using wheelchairs and walkers joined the march in a small caravan of cars honking in solidarity. Manchel reported that although the hotel had denied lodging to ICE, “agents were seen everywhere, and some were even dropped off in rideshare vehicles.”
Organizers stated that their goal was to urge local businesses to evaluate the community impact before agreeing to host federal immigration agents. They argued that allowing such lodging “creates a hostile and harmful environment” and said that public funds should not support operations they believe negatively affect immigrant families and neighbors.
“Chula Vista is our home, and we refuse to let fear take root here,” Manchel said ahead of the event. She emphasized that the demonstration sought to send a clear message to local hotels and businesses: the community will not accept decisions that place profit above residents’ well-being.
Alongside the protest, participating groups continued their ongoing food-drive campaign, collecting nonperishable items for local food banks ahead of the holiday season.