Drivers along PCH on Friday afternoon encountered a boisterous crowd of Mira Costa students holding signs protesting the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency (ICE). Many drivers took the opportunity to honk their horns, leading to jubilant outbursts from the assembled students. 

The protest was put in motion weeks ago, principally by two students, Ruby DeRenzis and Jonah Segil, who took care to plan out the effort with the school administration. Under a 2023 state law known as SB 955, middle school and high school students have the right to an excused absence when "engaging in a civic or political event," including a protest, so DeRenzis and Segil got the school to agree that the event would qualify.

Asked why they decided to initiate the protest, DeRenzis and Segil told MB News: "We both heard about the violent actions carried out by ICE across the country against immigrants and US citizens. We wanted to make it clear that Mira Costa students and the South Bay community do not stand with the actions of the current administration through ICE, and that we want to protect the people who live or work in our community regardless of legal status."

They seemed to be right to believe that others felt the same way. Over 300 students clustered at the four corners of the major intersection at Artesia Blvd. and PCH, just a few blocks west of the Mira Costa campus. Most had signs either opposing ICE, supporting immigrants or both – some more elaborate than others, and at least a few involving curse words directed at the immigration agency. 

Segil was pleased by the turnout and reception. "We felt extremely supported by the community," Segil said, "as most people driving by us honked in support, and very few people gave us a thumbs down or negative response. There were no counter protestors and it all went very smoothly."