On January 10, 2026, hundreds gathered in downtown Chico, California, to protest against the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) following the death of Renee Nichole Goode, who was killed by an ICE agent in Minnesota on January 7. Organized by Indivisible Chico, a local activist group affiliated with the larger Indivisible movement, the rally aimed to amplify calls for justice and accountability.
The protest was initiated on short notice, with Cody Borders, one of the organizers, stating that the national Indivisible organization prompted local groups to act swiftly in response to Goode’s death. “They told all of their local groups across the country to put something together to bring people together, and that was on Thursday,” Borders explained.
Massive Turnout Surprises Organizers
Despite the quick turnaround, Borders expressed surprise at the turnout, estimating the crowd was “probably five or six times bigger than was expected.” He expressed excitement about the high level of participation, stating, “It feels great… I’m really happy to see this many people show up.”
The gathering began at the Children’s Park and extended along The Esplanade outside Bidwell Mansion. Various organizations, including NorCal Resist, the Resisters, and Chico Peace Alliance, joined the protest, showing solidarity against ICE practices. Notably, Food Not Bombs, a local nonprofit, provided free meals to attendees, further fostering a sense of community.
Cece Canady, a student majoring in food and nutrition sciences at Chico State, mentioned their motivation to support the protest by distributing free food, including creamy kale and potato soup. “We just saw that there was a protest, which means there’s a need,” Canady said, highlighting the importance of community engagement.
Voices of Protesters Resound
As the protest progressed, many participants, including Julie Hendrickson, took to the streets with megaphones, emphasizing the importance of making voices heard. Hendrickson stated, “Renee Nichole Goode was murdered, unreasonably and unconstitutionally. This is the least I can do to support her and her family.”
The atmosphere was charged with energy, featuring chants, music, and artistic expressions. Lyndell Ellingson, a musician at the event, played guitar to unite the crowd. She noted, “Music helps bring people together, especially in times of anger.” Ellingson described music as a positive force, providing a harmonious counterbalance to the protest’s intensity.
Another participant, Janice Kalman, remarked on the significance of the rally, stating it is one of the largest she has witnessed. “I think as this era of Trump’s fascism and corruption has evolved, a lot of us are saying, ‘OK, when is the point?’” Kalman expressed a deep sense of urgency to act in defense of democracy.
The protest in Chico serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing debates surrounding immigration policies and the impact of ICE operations on communities. As activists continue to rally for change, the voices of individuals like Goode and the solidarity displayed in Chico emphasize the need for accountability and justice.
