A group of people walk on a sandy beach; one person in the foreground carries a large American flag.
Protesters assemble to form a human banner reading "Abolish ICE" on Ocean Beach, San Francisco, Calif. on Jan. 31, 2026. Photo by Jay A. Martin.

Hundreds of protesters formed a human banner on Ocean Beach in San Francisco Saturday, part of a weekend of actions nationwide targeting Immigration and Customs Enforcement in the wake of two killings of U.S. citizens by federal agents.

The crowd spelled out “ABOLISH!” with their bodies, and created signs reading “We have eyes, no more lies.” Others held up a large American flag. Some members of the crowd carried upside-down flags, the traditional signal of distress.

The San Francisco Chronicle photographed the human banner from the air.

The action came a day after thousands of people, led by high school students, marched out of schools and workplaces across the city and flocked to Dolores Park. The protesters compared ICE agents to “hostile soldiers” occupying territory.

A person holds a sign reading "Protect Journalism, Enjoying My Freedom of Speech" while another plays a tuba; a crowd stands behind them on a beach.
Protesters at Ocean Beach as part of the human banner. Photo by Jay A. Martin.
A man carries a child on his shoulders at a crowded outdoor event, with several people holding flags in the background.
Families and young children joined the action on Saturday. Photo by Jay A. Martin.
A group of people gathered on a sandy beach, some holding signs, while a few children and adults walk toward the crowd.
Alita, 3, walks with her family to the human banner. Photo by Jay A. Martin.
Two people, seen from behind, hold a large American flag along with a group outdoors. The photo is in black and white.
The crowd holding up a large American flag. Photo by Jay A. Martin.
Large crowd gathered on a sandy beach near the ocean, forming organized groups and lines, with distant hills visible under a cloudy sky.
Panoramic view of the human banner. Photo by Jay A. Martin.
A person in a crowd holds up a sign that reads, "I've seen smarter cabinets at IKEA," during an outdoor gathering or protest.
“I’ve seen smarter cabinets at IKEA” sign on Ocean Beach. Photo by Jay A. Martin.
A group of people walk together on sand, carrying a large object, with a crowd and graffiti-covered wall in the background.
Protesters carrying the American flag. Photo by Jay A. Martin.

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