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Many were standing strong inside Oakland's Christ the Light Cathedral, a show of unity for those living without a voice in the wake of a divisive election.
Churches and schools organized the event to protect undocumented people from possible deportation under President-elect Donald Trump.
"I think it's important to stand up and stand with those who are threatened, feeling anxious about their own future," said George Cummings of the Imani Community Church.
"I feel worried because I want people to know my history," Mireya said.
Mireya is undocumented. She's been living in the United States for 18 years. Her kids are citizens born in the United States. Her daughter is studying the violin. Mireya fears the future.
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"My husband plays taxes each year. We contribute to this country," Mireya said.
Congresswoman Barbara Lee told the crowd she's working to block any possible deportations.
"We have a wonderful community that has circled the wagons against Trump," Lee said. "What we have to understand, democracy is real and so is the power of the people. We will stop this mean-spirited anti-immigrant sentiment of this man."
Oakland has been a sanctuary city since 1986. On Nov. 29, the city council will move to re-affirm that status.