Immigrant refugees being held in ICE detention centers are struggling for their lives and demanding to be released to prevent their deaths from COVID-19. On March 31, activists from the greater Sacramento area, including from Party for Socialism and Liberation, came together in solidarity for a “Honk for Justice COVID Safe Car Rally.” They demanded that California Governor Gavin Newsom release ICE detainees immediately before more lives are lost to COVID-19.

The caravan stretched four city blocks and included about 50 cars, circling around the California Capitol Building several times, the county jail, and the Federal Building. The loud honking echoed off the buildings of downtown Sacramento for over an hour. The cars were covered with signs reading “Abolish ICE!”; “For their health, For our health, Free them all!”; “Close the Camps!”; “Let Them Go!”; and “Never Again is Now!”

The action was organized by a wide coalition initiated by Otay Mesa Detention Resistance, Never Again Action, and Jewish Action Norcal. It included participants from organizations such as Japanese American Citizens League – Florin Chapter, Labor Council for Latin American Advancement Sacramento (AFL-CIO), Decarcerate Sacramento, NorCal Resist, Yolo Grassroots Collective, and many many more.

Similar actions took place that day in Los Angeles and San Diego. Participants maintained physical distance by remaining in their cars and wore masks and gloves.