A group of demonstrators gathered Wednesday outside the Otay Mesa Detention Center in San Diego before moving to the site where the head of the Department of Homeland Security was holding a press conference on border security.

During her remarks, the federal official highlighted recent efforts to strengthen border enforcement and announced new drug seizures as part of the administration’s broader immigration and security strategy.

At the same time, community leaders held a separate news conference urging Congress to halt approval of funding for the Department of Homeland Security ahead of Friday’s deadline. Organizers called for increased oversight and internal reforms before any additional resources are authorized.

Among the demands raised were ending racial profiling practices, limiting the use of force by agents, and establishing truly independent oversight mechanisms for internal investigations. Protesters also voiced concerns about alleged warrantless searches and arrests, as well as the conditions of minors held in immigration custody.

The demonstrations come amid intensifying national debate over border security policies, as Congress prepares to decide on funding for the Department of Homeland Security in the coming days.