More than 600 Santa Clara University students gathered at the Bronco statue on Friday afternoon to join a nationwide day of action, marking one of the largest student protests the University has seen in years. The rally called for the removal of Immigration and Customs Enforcement from communities, following the fatal shootings of Alex Pretti and Renee Good by federal agents in Minneapolis earlier this month. The rally organized by Santa Clara University’s Students for Justice in Palestine was part of a coordinated national protest called “Stand with Minnesota, ICE OUT.” On Jan. 30, hundreds of protests took place across the country including in the Bay Area. Chanting phrases like “Say Their Name,” students marched on campus holding signs reading “ICE Out of Everywhere,” “Justice for Renee Good,” “We are skipping our lessons to teach you one.” When asked the purpose of the protest, organizers framed the rally as an act of solidarity with Minnesota and with immigrant communities nationwide, emphasizing that what happened in Minneapolis could happen anywhere. Caroline Shah ’28 said the inhumane acts of violence happening in Minnesota is what motivated her to attend. “I’m here in wake of everything that’s happened in Minnesota and the world,” she said. "It’s just been so heartbreaking for so many communities and there’s no way that anyone should have to live like this.” 📝: Sophie Ziedalski 📷: @ninaglickphoto & Dylan Ryu

A Lunar New Year night market will take place today just steps away from Santa Clara University’s campus. Hosted at the Santa Clara Commerce Plaza near the northwest side of campus, the two-day event will feature a collaboration of cultural performances, food vendors and Lunar New Year celebrations. Hosted by Dingding TV, the event listing describes the 2026 Silicon Valley Lunar New Year Together celebration as the largest multicultural Lunar New Year event in the region. The festival’s tagline, “One Valley, Many Cultures, Together We Celebrate!” frames the weekend as a shared community celebration open to all. With more than 300 food, arts and cultural vendors, guests will have ample opportunity to explore different areas of the market. For those who have never attended a night market, there is much to expect. Highlights listed on the event’s website include food and craft vendors, a Lunar New Year parade, a performance stage and festive decorations throughout the plaza. The event spans three main sections across the plaza: a booth area, a performance area and a designated space for beer, wine and other entertainment. Additional details, including a map of the plaza, are available on the event’s Eventbrite page. The event is free and open to the public and will run from 12 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 31, through 6 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 1, at 900 Lafayette Street. Organizers encourage attendees to register online in advance, with the first 3,000 registrants receiving a special Lunar New Year gift. The Commerce Plaza is located an eight-minute walk or five-minute drive from the Benson Memorial Center, and multiple public parking lots and street parking will be available. 📝: Sophia Taylor 📷: @elainez_ly