A group of San Diegans rally to stand in solidarity with Minneapolis

“When neighbors are under attack what do we do? Stand up fight back,” one protestor chanted.

At the beat of chants, drums, and car honks, protestors gathered to demand justice for Alex Pretti and to express their opposition to the presence of federal agents in local communities.

“This is kind of a spontaneous response to what happened earlier today in Minneapolis, yet another targeting of an activist defending someone from being kidnapped, supporting them, blatant violence for human rights and people are shocked,” Ammy Kennemore said.

One protestor is a fabric artist. She showcased her freedom of speech through her artwork. She uses soft fabrics on most of her art, like this peace sign.

“This is a big immigrant community. We just want our community members to feel safe,” she told NBC 7 San Diego.

“I’m somebody who likes things nice and pretty and fabricky and soft,” she said.

She wanted to create an art piece that put in perspective the number of migrants she said are being targeted daily.

“This piece changed me,” she said.

Using landscaping netting and zip ties, she created a visual representation of the three thousand migrants federal agents aim to detain daily.

“This is ugly and it’s cold and its tangled and it’s…how do you unwind from this situation?” she said.

At one point, several speakers addressed the large crowd.

Protestors said they want more accountability from elected officials.

“I think we’re already seeing our worst fears playout, which is unchecked power,” Kennemore said.

“This is a big immigrant community. We just want our community members to feel safe,” Tareq Rahhal said.