On April 28 in St. Helena’s, California, over a hundred people gathered for a community march against the cruel ICE raids. Marchers demanded full rights for immigrants, and called on everyone to support the many May 1st demonstrations in Northern California.
The march route went through downtown St. Helena’s in the Heart of Napa Valley. The vineyards of the posh Napa wineries — where so many migrant workers are employed — set the backdrop for the protest.
Workers, families, and community supporters formed an organized procession carrying an array of placards, banners, and flags. Chants demanding amnesty and justice continued throughout the duration of the march, but picked up in spirit when the march reached the main shopping strip of St. Helena’s.
The wine and tourist industries in St. Helena’s have been the backbone of a prosperous local economy. The downtown streets are pristine and the shops are luxurious. The march of immigrant workers and their families through the shopping district was a powerful reminder of who really produced that abundant wealth on display. The march ended in the city’s park with a closing rally.
