Los Angeles, CA – On April 12 and 13 immigrant rights activists and organizations will be convening at the Emergency Southwest Summit Against Deportations in the historic Chicano community of Boyle Heights, Los Angeles, California.

This Emergency Southwest Summit is an opportunity for immigrant rights activists to come together in the Southwest, historically significant for Chicanos and Mexicanos, to share lessons on how to organize and successfully fight back against Trump’s and ICE attacks.

Since Trump’s Inauguration, there has been a surge of militant protests and struggle throughout the country, and masses of Chicanos, Mexicanos and Central Americans have taken to the streets to fight the Trump administration’s deportation campaign.

Grassroots and community activists have fought against ICE attacks, leading thousands in marches in cities like Los Angeles, Dallas, Chicago, Minneapolis and San José. Students have joined mass high school walkouts. Rapid response networks and neighborhood defense groups have sprung into action to keep community members safe from ICE.

The Emergency Southwest Summit Against Deportations will take place over the course of two days on April 12 and 13. This summit is sponsored by Centro CSO, the La Mesa Brown Berets, MEchA Santee HS, and Legalization for All Network. We are calling on all immigrant rights activists in the Southwest and nationwide to join us. We must oppose the use of ICE and the threat of deportations in the U.S. Trump's attacks against undocumented immigrants are a threat to all whether we are immigrants, Chicano, Mexicano or Central American. Build the movement against Trump. No deportations!

Speakers at the summit will include Carlos Montes, lifelong activist in the Chicano movement; Luna Baez, daughter of detained Colorado community activist Jeanette Viguerra; Elvira Arellano, Chicago sanctuary activist, and Amerika Garcia Grewal of the Eagle Pass Border Coalition.

Register online at: https://tinyurl.com/summitagainstdeportations

#LosAngelesCA #CA #ImmigrantRights #L4A #Featured

San José, CA – El domingo 9 de febrero, el Comité de Inmigración de Silicon Valley, junto con más de 200 miembros de la comunidad, realizó una protesta y una marcha en contra de la agenda del presidente Trump y el reciente aumento de actividad de ICE en Eastside San José.

La acción – realizada en Eastside San José (ESSJ), lo cual es una comunidad compuesta por chicanos y latinos – fue parte de la Semana de Acción de la Red de Legalización Para Todos.

La protesta empezó con consignas dirigidas hacia ICE y Trump, seguidas por un breve programa de oradores.

Uriel Magadaleno del Comité de Inmigracion de Silicon Valley habló sobre la presencia de ICE en Eastside, comentó, “Es a través de la lucha del pueblo y el movimiento popular que resistiremos a Trump y las instituciones racistas que él intentará usar y atacarnos. Necesitamos formar comités de defensa en nuestros vecindarios.”

“Necesitamos proteger a nuestra comunidad inmigrante de ICE,” continuó Magdaleno. Comentó a continuación acerca de la actividad de ICE en ESSJ, llamando a un boicot contra la tienda Target en la esquina de Story y King para “exigir que dejen de colaborar con ICE, permitiendo que se estacionen en su estacionamiento.”

Ese sitio de Target ha sido el punto focal de recientes marchas en ESSJ, ya que ha permitido que ICE lleve a cabo operaciones detrás de la tienda y en su estacionamiento.

Cesar Ruiz de Agenda Humana habló sobre la importancia de organizar a los jóvenes y cómo tenía orgullo de ver “estudiantes de preparatoria realizar paros estudiantiles para los derechos de los inmigrantes” en las últimas semanas. También contó cómo estuvo involucrado en las Mega Marchas del Primero de Mayo de 2006. Ruiz continuó enfatizando la importancia del Primero de Mayo y la lucha por los inmigrantes y los trabajadores, diciendo, “Estamos aquí por el largo plazo, estamos aquí para luchar, estamos aquí para ganar.”

Las Mega Marchas de May Day de 2006, también conocidas como, “Un día sin inmigrantes,” fueron en respuesta a un proyecto de ley propuesto en el Congreso, HR 4437. Este proyecto, también conocido como el Acto de Protección de la Frontera, Antiterrorismo y Control de Inmigración Ilegal de 2005, habría convertido en felones a cualquier persona indocumentada y a quienes les brindaran ayuda

Veronica Ibanez de Papeles Para Todos habló sobre por qué es tan importante organizar por los derechos de los inmigrantes, y sobre todo de los indocumentados, explicó, “Yo he vivido aquí por 25 años, y no he podido regresar a mi país de origen, mis padres ya fallecieron y no pude estar allí.” Ibanez continuó, “Eso es por qué sigo luchando por los derechos de los inmigrantes, porque tenemos el derecho de visitar nuestro país de origen y regresar a casa.”

Los manifestantes marcharon de la Plaza de Herencia Mexicana, un monumento en Eastside San José, hasta la esquina de Story y King, un sitio conocido por ser el punto de partida de las Mega Marchas del Primero de Mayo de 2006. Durante la marcha, manifestantes corearon, “Abajo, abajo la deportación, arriba, arriba la inmigración” y “¡San José, escucha, estamos en la lucha!”

Al alcanzar la esquina de Story and King, la marcha continuó hacia el Target dentro de la plaza en la intersección. Mientras los manifestantes pasaban por delante, gritaron, “¡Target, escucha, estamos en la lucha!”

Después de concluir las consignas contra Target, los participantes se reunieron en la esquina de Story y King y continuaron con la manifestación.

Magadeleno concluyó la acción diciendo a la gente presente que ahora es más importante que nunca organizarse y que debemos construir un frente unido en contra de Trump.

#SanJoseCA #CA #ImmigrantRights #SVIC #L4A #PPT

San Jose, CA – On Sunday, February 9, the Silicon Valley Immigration Committee along with over 200 community members held a protest and march against President Trump's agenda and the recent escalation of ICE activity in the Eastside of San Jose.

The action – held in Eastside San Jose (ESSJ), which is a community made up of Chicanos and Latinos – was part of the Legalization for All Network's Week of Action.

The protest kicked off with chants aimed at ICE and Trump, followed by a short program of speakers.

Uriel Magadaleno from the Silicon Valley Immigration Committee spoke about the ICE presence in the Eastside, stating, “It’s through the people’s struggle and people’s movement that we will resist Trump and the racist institutions that he will try to use and attack us. We need to start defensive committees in our neighborhoods.”

“We need to protect our immigrant community from ICE,” Magdaleno continued. He further commented on ICE activity in ESSJ, calling for a boycott against the Target store at the intersection of Story and King to “demand that they stop collaborating with ICE, letting them park in their parking lot.”

The Target location has been the focal point of recent marches in ESSJ as it has allowed ICE to conduct operations behind the store and in its parking lot.

Cesar Ruiz from Human Agenda spoke of the importance of the youth getting organized and how he was proud to see “high school students walkout for immigrants’ rights” in past weeks. He also recounted how he was involved in the 2006 May Day Mega Marches. Ruiz went on to emphasize the importance of May Day and the fight for immigrants and workers, saying, “We’re here for the long run, we’re here to struggle, we’re here to win.”

The 2006 May Day Mega Marches, also known as “A day without an immigrant,” were a response to a proposed bill in Congress, HR 4437. The bill, also known as the Border Protection, Anti-terrorism and Illegal Immigration Control Act of 2005, would have made any undocumented person and anyone who helped them a felon.

Veronica Ibanez from Papeles Para Todos spoke about why organizing for immigrant rights, and particularly for the undocumented, is so important, stating, “I have lived here for 25 years, and haven't been able to go back to my home country, my parents have passed away and I couldn’t be there.” Ibanez continued, “That is why I continue to fight for immigrant rights, because we have a right to visit our country of origin and return home.”

Protesters then marched from Mexican Heritage Plaza, a landmark in Eastside San Jose, to the corner of Story and King, a site known for being the starting point of the 2006 May Day Mega Marches. Throughout the march, protesters chanted, “Down down with deportation, up up with immigration” and “San Jose, escucha, estamos en la lucha!”

Once protesters reached the corner of Story and King, the march continued to the Target inside the plaza at the intersection. As protesters marched past they chanted, “Target, escucha, estamos en la lucha!”

After the chants against Target, protesters gathered on the corner of Story and King and continued rallying.

Magadeleno ended the action by telling folks there that it is important now more than ever to get organized and that we must build a united front against Trump!

#SanJoseCA #CA #ImmigrantRights #SVIC #L4A #PPT

Chicago, IL – The streets of Little Village in Chicago were filled with the sounds of drums and voices, February 8, as a crowd of 1500 people of all ages moved through this historic Mexicano/Chicano neighborhood.

Marchers representing a coalition of 30 organizations came together in response to the call by the Legalization for All Network for national days of action to stop the attacks on immigrants.

Angel Naranjos, a student from the University of Illinois – Chicago who grew up in Little Village, opened the rally on behalf of the Immigrant Rights Working Committee of the Chicago Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression (CAARPR).

Naranjos stated, “We’re gathered here today to protest the attacks on people who only came here searching for a better life. We’re witnessing some of the broadest attacks on immigrants in our lifetimes. People who are here to work are being attacked by a racist, reactionary Republican administration. It’s up to us to build a visible and powerful resistance. It’s up to us to show that when we get into the streets, when we fight, we can win.”

“We are an army”

Kobi Guillory of CAARPR and the Chicago Teachers Union spoke of growing up in South Africa, stating, “The racism that made Black people poor in South Africa, that keeps them poor is the same racism against Black people in Englewood, and the same racism I see targeting people right here in Little Village.”

Guillory also said about this movement against the attacks from the White House, “We are an army. If any one of us is attacked, all of us are going to fight back!”

Other organizations in the protest included Chicago Community and Workers Rights; Familia Latina Unida; Kabataan Alliance, a new network of Filipino organizations to fight Trump; Freedom Road Socialist Organization; and Students for a Democratic Society – UIC. With Aldermen Mike Rodriguez (22nd Ward) and Byron Sigcho Lopez (25th Ward), everyone came together for visible resistance to the Trump attacks on Chicago and its immigrant community.

Chicago singled out by Trump

Trump has singled out Chicago and Mayor Brandon Johnson because of the strength of the movement in this city. Trump’s “Border Czar” Tom Homan has even complained that ICE has been unable to terrorize the community here because the people in Chicago are organized and know their rights.

But the limited attacks here and numerous attacks across the country are still traumatic. Dr. Mercedes Martinez of the League of United Latin American Citizens explained the psychological impact of separation of families, stating, “The inhumane treatment of our people is absolutely devastating. It will cause lifelong problems. The abandonment, the separation, causes anxiety.”

“White supremacists erase the true history of the U.S.”

Nazek Sankari of the US Palestinian Community Network, a familiar figure from leading many scores of protests in Chicago against the Zionist genocide in Gaza since October 2023, also spoke.

Sankari stated, “These last 19 days, there has been a slew of executive orders targeting immigrants, refugees, LGBTQ community and women. This is an attempt by these bigoted white supremacists to erase the true history of the U.S., founded on genocide.

“These same white supremacist forces are waging a genocide on Gaza. One executive order even threatens to deport the brave international students who participated in the student uprisings in solidarity with the Palestinian people last spring.”

“This is our land. We’re ready to struggle!”

Four buses of immigrant workers and their families came from the Casa DuPage Workers Center in the west suburbs to join the march, with many banners, bullhorns and drums. Cristobal Cavazos of Casa DuPage said of this movement, “We have a new consciousness. We have new self-respect and dignity. We’re workers. We’re replacing the chip that we’re illegals, that we’re criminals, that we don’t belong here.”

Cavazos continued, “This is our land. We’re ready to struggle!”

#ChicagoIL #IL #ImmigrantRights #Trump #Deportations #NAARPR #CAARPR #USPCN #CTU #L4A

St. Helena, CA – On January 31, community members and North Bay Community Service Organization (CSO) braved the rain in the Napa Valley town of Saint Helena to stand in solidarity with immigrants.

Part of the week of action called by the Legalization 4 All Network, the demonstration took place on Main Street, a symbolic location where many immigrant workers contribute to the local economy. The crowd was full of passion as families, friends and neighbors chanted and called for an end to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations in their town. The action highlighted the ongoing struggle for immigrant rights in Napa Valley, where many now live in fear of detention and deportation.

The demonstration was a testament to the strength and unity of the local people. It was pouring rain, yet attendees remained energized, holding signs and raising their voices in unison with chants of ‘ICE has got to go!”

Some attendees brought yellow rain ponchos for all, further strengthening people’s resolve. The presence of working-class immigrants, activists and allies demonstrated the deep-rooted resistance to policies that target immigrant families. Events like these emphasize that Saint Helena is not just a picturesque wine country town – it is also home to a diverse community of workers who demand dignity and justice.

One undocumented participant stated that she was unsure about attending the demonstration given her legal status, stating, “Despite having my fears, I decided it was important to be present, be loud, and to stand with others of our town.”

Support poured out from passersby during Saint Helena’s rush hour, with drivers offering honks and encouragement. Others stopped by and gifted the demonstrators with snacks and other refreshments. One woman shared that she had driven by earlier and decided to go home and make warm atole for demonstrators to thank them for making the community’s voices heard. After two hours of rallying in the rain, the atole was much appreciated.

The event closed with a call to action, urging people to stay engaged and attend future meetings. Organizers emphasized that the fight is far from over and that sustained pressure is necessary to achieve meaningful change.

As the movement for immigrant justice continues, events like this prove that when people come together, their collective power can overcome fear and challenge even the most oppressive systems.

#StHelenaCA #CA #ImmigrantRights #L4A #NBCSO

On Thursday, February 6, at 5 p.m. Pacific time (6 p.m. Mountain, 7 p.m. Central, 8 p.m. Eastern), Freedom Road Socialist Organization will be hosting an online meeting “Building the Movement to Fight Trump’s Agenda.”

Featured speakers include Frank Chapman, executive director of the National Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression (NAARPR), Marisol Márquez of Legalization for All, and Sydney Loving, a member of the Central Committee of FRSO. Fight Back! asked each of these leading organizers why they thought this upcoming meeting was important in building the fight against Trump. Here’s what they had to say.

“In his first days as president, Trump has come out swinging, but so have we! There are so many sectors of society and communities he’s targeting, he makes more enemies every day,” said Sydney Loving of FRSO. “That’s more people who are pushed off the fence, into the struggle to change things and we say, ‘Welcome. Let's fight together.’”

Freedom Road Socialist Organization has indeed been fighting Trump from his first day in office, organizing demonstrations across the country on Inauguration Day, January 20. Loving was a speaker at the national demonstration in Washington DC against Trump’s inauguration.

“We will get absolutely nowhere by staying quiet or going into hiding,” Loving continued, “So we’re not backing down. We’re saying stop the deportations and hell no to the whole backwards ‘profits over people’ agenda. So, this meeting will be important. We’re going to talk about what’s happened so far, the terrain we’re fighting on now, and how we’re going to build the people’s movements, bigger and badder than before!”

Marisol Márquez stated, “Everywhere, around the country undocumented immigrants are finding friends. Trump has created an atmosphere of terror aided by ICE. And yet, the people are ready to meet this threat head on. The Legalization for all Network is ready to help guide anyone who is ready to fight back and fight for the undocumented!”

Frank Chapman of NAARPR says, “We have got to be united. We cannot let them carry out these mass deportations,” adding, “If they are allowed to do that, they will be coming for the rest of the people next. Trump’s not new to us. We’ve been fighting against racists on this continent since 1619. We know who to stand with, and who not to stand with. That’s why the Black liberation movement stands with immigrants, the Palestinians, with all oppressed people throughout the world, against this racist empire. United, we don’t have to worry about being defeated!”

To attend the meeting, register to receive the Zoom link at tinyurl.com/frso225.

#FRSO #Meeting #Trump #ImmigrantRights #WomensMovement #Labor #LGBTQ #L4A #NAARPR #Feature

Dallas, TX – 3000 people Marched through the city of Dallas, February 2, in response to Trump's recent attacks on immigrant rights, including the raids by ICE that have increased deportations around the country, especially in Texas.

The rally and march were called by the National Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression-Dallas (NAARPR-Dallas) and La Frontera Nos Cruzo (FNC) in collaboration with high school students, Joselin Ibarra and Ximena Basilio. The high school students previously worked with NAARPR in organizing a high school walk out at Sam Houston High School-Arlington.

At 1 p.m. the crowd settled in at City Hall in Dallas, and began chanting, “Ci se puede,” ” No que no, si que si, los inmigrantes se quedarán jaquí!” “Arriba! ¡Adelante! La gente inmigrante!” “No fear; no hate. No ICE in our state!” and “Trump, escucha, estamos en la lucha.”

At 2 p.m. speeches began, with Xavier Velasquez from the Freedom Road Socialist Organization, co-chair of the Legalization for All Network and member of NAARPR stating, “First, let’s give it up for all the high schoolers that walked out on Friday and brought this movement together! Trump and the right like to talk about immigration, but never the causes of why people go through such perils to come and live here. The truth is that this country stole this land from the indigenous peoples, built up the country with slave labor, and devastated Latin America.

Velasquez continued, “We immigrants come here looking for opportunity because they took ours from us. This is why we say no one is illegal on stolen land. If you want to fight for yourself and your community, then talk to one of the many organizers at this event. Join the movement to change our society for the better!”

At around 2:45, the crowd began marching through the city of Dallas, where they met with raucous support from onlookers and passersby. People on the streets joined the rally and began chanting with the crowd. The march passed through Civic Garden Park, to the historic West End Station and briefly stopped the train from passing through.

Lesly Torres Guerrero, from NAARPR and FNC addressed the crowd from the truck leading the march by saying, “La energía del pueblo se siente. No pensé que tanta gente saliera y tomara las calles el día de hoy. We took back our streets and let all of Dallas know that we will not stop fighting for immigrants’ rights, now more than ever.”

At 4:30 the crowd returned back to City Hall. Joselin Ibarra, one of the high school students, presented closing remarks: “We did the protest for our people. I want to be an influence for people my age, the youth have power and we will not stop till justice is served. I’m proud of our people, they stood up for what they believe in and I'm proud that they're here today. I strongly believe that the power of the people is stronger than the people in power and I believe that we can win.”

At the end of the protest, people went to NAARPR’s social event at City Hall, where Yolanda Cruz and the Daydreamers, a Dallas-based band played music for the crowd, followed by a DJ playing Cumbia music, a popular genre in Texas and Mexico. The crowd danced along with the music and rejoiced. The event concluded at 6 p.m.

#DallasTX #TX #ImmigrantRights #Trump #NFC #L4A #NAARPR #FRSO

Los Angeles, CA – On January 20, over 200 community members from Boyle Heights and East Los Angeles gathered at Mariachi Plaza for a protest to oppose the incoming Trump administration. The event, organized by Centro Community Service Organization (CSO), brought together residents and local organizations united against Trump’s reactionary anti-immigrant agenda and broader policies that threaten oppressed nationalities like Chicanos and African Americans.

Speakers from grassroots organizations, including the Palestinian Youth Movement, Union del Barrio, Black Lives Matter Grassroots, and the Raza Unida Party addressed the crowd, calling for resistance to attacks on immigrant rights, workers’ rights, and communities of color, particularly Chicano and Black people.

Rocio Rivas, an LAUSD school board member who defends public education from privatization spoke, as did progressive City Councilmember Ysabel Jurado. Protesters chanted slogans like, “We want education, not deportation” and “Power to the people, no one is illegal,” underscoring the rally’s themes of solidarity and resistance.

Angelica Reyes, a member of Centro CSO, stated, “Today, I rallied to remind my community of the vast power we hold when we stand and fight in solidarity. Join a community organization. Our liberation is tied to one another. Together we are unstoppable, together we win this fight. Together our love melts ICE.”

Reuben Navarrete, a member of the Freedom Road Socialist Organization (FRSO) and a Teamster at UPS, stated, “Another Trump presidency puts us on a dangerous path where our freedoms and liberties are trampled on and ignored. His plans to deport undocumented immigrants will disproportionately affect Chicano and Latino workers and tear families apart. His anti-union stance and alliances with corporate elites threaten workers globally. He attacks and intends to roll back the rights and protections of LGBTQ people. He is a direct threat to women’s reproductive rights. And his plans for environmental deregulation threaten our planet and all of us who live on it.”

Marisol Márquez, an FRSO and Centro CSO member, called for solidarity with immigrant communities in Texas, saying, “The bigots won in Texas. We will defend DACA in California and stand with DREAMers in Texas.”

After the speeches, protesters marched through downtown Los Angeles to LA City Hall, denouncing Trump’s policies, including the threat of mass deportations.

Centro CSO, the rally’s organizing group, is a grassroots organization dedicated to fighting for immigrant rights, police accountability, and public education in Boyle Heights and East Los Angeles. It is also part of the Legalization for All (L4A) network, a national network advocating for the comprehensive legalization of undocumented people.

#LosAngelesLA #LA #ImmigrantRights #CentroCSO #L4A #FRSO #Teamsters

Minneapolis, MN – With only a month left before Donald Trump becomes president, immigrant rights activists in the Legalization for All Network are demanding that President Biden do all he can to protect immigrants before leaving office.

Toward that end, the Legalization for All Network is asking people to call the White House between December 16 and 20 to demand that Biden extend Temporary Protected Status.

Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is under massive threat. TPS is a protective measure for immigrants that is designated by the Secretary of Homeland Security. It is typically given to immigrants from countries with crises that prevent their people from returning safely. It allows those who qualify to live and work in the U.S. for a limited period of time, rather than having to return to a country experiencing a situation which would put returning immigrants in harm’s way or force them into the middle of a humanitarian crisis.

Trump and his nominee for “Border Czar” Thomas Homan are planning an all-out assault on undocumented immigrants. Gutting TPS is one of the ways they plan on attacking immigrants.

There are currently around 800,000 people from 17 countries in the U.S. with TPS status. Some of them include immigrants who: suffered a series of 2001 earthquakes in El Salvador; left Honduras during Hurricane Mitch, or sought political asylum from Haiti.

Before his term ends, President Biden has the ability to extend TPS coverage for a maximum of 18 more months. This is why The Legalization for All (L4A) Network is urging all who support immigrant rights to call the White House at 202-456-1111 and read the following script:

“I am ___, calling from ___(your city/state), urging Biden to do everything in his power to protect those who have TPS. Trump is promising to slash protections like TPS and start deporting people. Because of this we urge President Biden to protect TPS for 18 more months!”

As Trump prepares to take power and says he will carry out severe attacks on immigrants, the Legalization for All Network also encourages anyone interested in fighting against Trump’s reactionary anti-immigrant attacks to join the network. The next national online meeting is scheduled for December 20 at 4 p.m. Pacific Time. Contact LegalizationForAll@gmail.com for details.

#MinneapolisMN #ImmigrantRights #L4A #LegalizationforAll #Feature

Los Angeles, CA – 30 people attended a know your rights panel and training in the Boyle Hights neighborhood, hosted by Centro CSO’s immigration rapid response team. The educational event was organized because many in the community are nervous about how immigration law will be impacted by the Trump presidential victory.

Greeting participants at the door with a warm welcome and offering various services, the event was well attended. Childcare was offered to allow those with young children to fully participate in the event.

Boyle Heights resident Erika Prado stated, “The workshop on immigration rights Centro CSO presented was highly informative and served as a resource to empower and prepare our community in light of the unfortunate threats it faces.”

Led by Amanda Diaz, Beña Martinez, and Jordan Peña of Centro Community Service Organization (CSO), the event featured scenarios on what to do if Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE) comes knocking on your door. Attendees also had a chance to ask questions regarding any potential changes to their current immigration status.

“In this moment of fear and uncertainty, what is certain is the power of our communities,” said Amanda Diaz of Centro CSO. “One of the most important things we can do right now is to arm ourselves with knowledge for what to do when ICE comes knocking. This critical information can help us stand up and fight back against Trump’s chaos by knowing our rights and protecting ourselves, our families, and our neighbors! La lucha sigue!”

Beña Martínez, who led the online component of the event, said “I have thought about how much Biden and Trump’s policies could affect my family. I also have friends that I look up to who could be affected, and I try to plan instead of worry. But I still worry. I’m fortunate to be able to rely on a great team working harder than me on this know your rights event that I’m grateful for.”

Centro CSO is part of the Legalization for All (L4A) network which is a national network of groups whose mission is to win legalization for all of the undocumented. Due to the Trump win, organizations like CSO are moving forward on preparing their working-class neighborhoods to be educated and prepared to fight back.

“Es importante que todas las personas sepan que tenemos derechos, para no vivir con miedo,” said Felipe Castillo who also attended the event. Her words translate to, “It is important for all to know our rights, so that we do not live in fear.”

If you wish to participate in future CSO events, message them at (323) 484-8630 or contact them on their social media @CentroCSO.

#LosAngelesCA #CA #ImmigrantRights #CentroCSO #Trump #L4A

Chicago, IL – More than 450 people representing 75 organizations gathered in Chicago, April 13, to plan a massive march at the Democratic National Convention, which will stand with Palestine and promote a people’s agenda.

Kobi Guillory of the National Alliance Against Racist and Pollical Repression told conference participants, “We will counterprotest the DNC starting on August 19 to demand an immediate end to the U.S.-backed Israeli genocide, and that no more of our tax dollars are used to fund the massacres of Palestinians.” Guillory also talked about the fight to get permits for a large-family friendly protest, but said that organizers were going to march to within sight and sound of the convention, permits or not.

Among the organization present at the conference were the US Palestinian Community Network (USPCN), the National Alliance Against Racist and Pollical Repression, New Students for a Democratic Society, the Legalization for All Network, and Freedom Road Socialist Organization.

#ChicagoIL #IL #PeoplesStruggles #AntiWarMovement #MiddleEast #Palestine #DNC2024 #NAARPR #USPCN #SDS #L4A #FRSO #Feature

Fight Back News Service is circulating the following statement from the Legalization for All Network.

In an outrageous ruling the Supreme Court of the U.S. (SCOTUS) gave the green light to Texas State Bill 4 (SB4) putting it immediately into effect in Texas. This bill is also known as the “Show Me Your Papers” bill, as it gives Texas law enforcement powers that only federal agencies possess – the power to stop, question, and arrest a person about U.S. citizenship status, as well as power to deport.

The Legalization for All (L4A) Network condemns this recent act by SCOTUS as well as Texan Governor Greg Abbott for being the originator of SB4. This bill will be used to further terrorize and racially profile Chicano, Latino, undocumented people, and those seeking asylum in the state of Texas.

Xavi Velazquez with La Frontera Nos Cruzó says, “All Texans have a responsibility to their neighbor, we look out for each other, silence is complicity. I, along with others here in Dallas, refuse to be complicit in a blatant strike against Raza. This law is an attempt to legitimize the dehumanization of millions of people in this country. ¡Aquí estamos y no nos vamos!”

Amerika Garcia-Grewal resident and activist in Eagle Pass, Texas says, “SB4 is a step backward in our fight for human rights. We must raise our voices louder than ever to protect the vulnerable, which include U.S. citizens of color. In the face of this ruling, we reaffirm our commitment to stand with marginalized communities in Texas, including immigrants, and oppose policies that promote fear and division.”

We are calling all indignant of SB4 to act now. The three following action items are what you can do to help.

1. Flood Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s lines now (Texas residents) 1-800-843-5789 or for all others 512-463-1782 and read the following script

SCRIPT: “Hi, my name is (your name) calling from (City/State) with the Legalization for All Network to denounce Texas State Bill 4! We condemn Texas law enforcement being given the power to racially profile and deport anyone they want! Down with SB4!”

2. Participate in the large action against SB4 in Dallas/Fort Worth March 24th 2:00 pm at City Garden Park – 1014 Main St Dallas, TX 75202

3. Or Donate to a Texas organization affiliated with L4A, like BorderVigil Zelle bordervigil@gmail.com .

Down with the attacks on the undocumented, down with State Bill 4, and Legalization for All!

If you wish to affiliate with L4A, send us a message now @LegalizationForAll on social media or legalizationforall@gmail.com

#TX #ImmigrantRights #L4A #TXSB4 #SCOTUS #LaFronterNosCruzo

Eagle Pass, TX – Members of the Legalization for All (L4A) Network from Los Angeles, Dallas and Minneapolis traveled to the border towns of Eagle Pass, Texas and Piedras Negras, Coahuila, México from February 23-25.

They went to show solidarity with immigrants and activists there fighting against Texas Governor Greg Abbott's racist, anti-immigrant attacks. The Eagle Pass Border Coalition hosted the delegation. The Legalization for All delegation was there just days before Donald Trump went to Eagle Pass to spread racist anti-immigrant rhetoric.

Eagle Pass is a town of 28,000 people on the U.S./México border with a 97% Chicano/Latino population. It has as its sister city across the border Piedras Negras. Eagle Pass has become a flashpoint in national politics as Governor Abbott has delusionally declared that there is an “invasion” there from México and has taken extreme and cruel measures.

Abbott’s measures have maimed and killed immigrants, including installing razor buoys in the Rio Grande and militarily occupying Shelby Park in Eagle Pass with the Texas National Guard. This in defiance of court rulings that say only the federal government can enact immigration policy, not individual states. Beginning in March 2024, Texas’s new harsh anti-immigrant Senate Bill 4 was slated to go into effect, though it has been delayed by a court challenge.

It’s in this context of sharply increasing racist attacks on immigrants and the extreme militarization of border towns that the Legalization for All Network sent an emergency delegation to Eagle Pass to support the brave activists there who are organizing and fighting back.

After arriving in Eagle Pass on Friday evening, February 23, on Saturday the L4A delegation headed to the First United Methodist Church in Eagle Pass for a workshop with youth activists. Two members of the delegation from Centro CSO in Los Angeles presented a training on creating strategic organizing campaigns, going in depth about grassroots organizing and building community power. Eagle Pass Border Coalition members Jessie Fuentes and Amerika Garcia Grewal explained the context of Texas Governor Abbott’s racist anti-immigrant attacks. After that high school and college-age residents of Eagle Pass talked about ideas for organizing and developing political power.

Feeding immigrants

Before the trip, the delegation members quickly raised money to go toward food banks and shelters that are doing the work every day on the ground feeding, clothing and providing shelter to immigrants and refugees. They hand-delivered donations to the Eagle Pass Frontera Ministries at San Lucas Lutheran Church, which operates a food bank serving anyone from the community including immigrants.

While there, they also helped stock the local food bank. Part of the money the delegation raised also went to the Casa de Migrante (Migrant House) in Piedras Negras, just across the border from Eagle Pass, which they later visited as well.

Seeing the militarized border up close

As soon as the delegation members arrived in Eagle Pass they witnessed an extremely heavy law enforcement presence by local, state and federal police agencies, with local police constantly pulling over and harassing community members for minor infractions.

The delegation toured Eagle Pass, and one of the first stops was the county cemetery where unidentified immigrants were buried. There they could see the disturbed soil from where the bodies were recently exhumed to be identified at a university.

Their next stop was along the Rio Grande where the delegation expected to see the Texas National Guard but was surprised to see United States Army soldiers in Border Patrol Vehicles who said, “We're being the eyes and ears for the Border Patrol” when asked why they were there.

The presence of U.S. Army soldiers is an example of the struggle playing out on the Texas border between the federal and state government as Governor Abbott has illegally militarized the border with Texas's National Guard and then the Biden administration has responded by trying to replace state forces with federal U.S. Army troops to supplement Customs and Border Patrol officials. This approach from the Biden administration continues the Republican-led militarization of the border.

The delegation then went to the edge of Shelby Park, where they saw the occupation by Texas National Guard forces of the park on the edge of downtown Eagle Pass along the Rio Grande. This is the main park of the city and is now completely militarized and blocked off for the general public.

Then the delegation went down the road to where Governor Abbott placed concertina wire-wrapped buoys in the middle of the Rio Grande. Federal courts have ordered Texas to remove the deadly buoys that have already killed people, but so far Texas has refused. They also saw a surveillance tower at the edge of the Rio Grande, likely one supplied by Elbit Systems, an Israeli company that uses such technology against Palestinians and also supplies it to the U.S. to use at the U.S./México border.

And as if the current level of border militarization isn’t enough, while the delegation was in Eagle Pass, the headline story of the Del Rio and Eagle Pass News Leader was that Governor Abbott announced that the Texas Military Department, an agency under the governor’s control, had acquired 80 acres of land in Eagle Pass to construct a forward operating base that would house 1800 more soldiers.

Immigrant shelters in Piedras Negras, México

After seeing the extreme militarization of the US side of the border in Eagle Pass, the delegation members crossed the border into Piedras Negras, Coahuila, México.

The Mexico side of the border was a stark contrast to the U.S. side, and not in the way many might assume. Downtown Eagle Pass, like a lot of downtowns in the U.S., has a lot of vacant storefronts, with few people walking around, and with the park along the river completely blocked off to the public with a massive, militarized force. In contrast, Piedras Negras was lively, with lots of people on the streets and kids playing in a giant park just across the border, as well as colorful murals and with clean and fancy shopping on Calle 11. The militarization of the border has choked off visitors from México who used to be able to cross into Eagle Pass more easily, harming the Eagle Pass economy and strengthening the economy of Piedras Negras.

Once in Piedras Negras, the delegation met up with a local activist there who accompanied them to two shelters housing immigrants and asylum seekers.

First they brought boxes of food to Casa del Migrante – Frontera Digna (Migrant House – Dignified Border) to give to asylum seekers staying there. The delegation was warmly greeted at Casa del Migrante. They unloaded the food and helped stock their pantry, then they talked with dozens of immigrants and asylum seekers who gathered around eager to share their stories. The main people they spoke with were from Honduras, El Salvador, Venezuela and Haiti. People spoke of the hardships they faced in their journey from their home countries to the U.S./México border and spoke of the fact that many of them were robbed and beaten on their long journey by Mexican police or gangs. Women spoke of incidents of sexual violence along the journey.

They spoke of not necessarily wanting to go to the U.S. for a better life or for the “American dream,” but of wanting a secure life. Many of them spoke of facing violence and threats of death in their home countries by gangs, simply for not wanting to join or for objecting to the theft of their homes by the gangs. The destabilization of their home countries by U.S. imperialism is the root cause for many of these people leaving from places like Honduras, Venezuela and Haiti in search of safety for their children.

After leaving Casa del Migrante, the delegation went to a second smaller immigrant shelter down the street. By this time the sun had gone down, and inside the shelter it was completely dark. The people there said the electricity hadn’t worked for days. Delegation members spoke to a Salvadoran woman who was there with her child, who said they left El Salvador due to the terrible economic situation, among other reasons.

It was notable that in both shelters there were large numbers of children. While Texas Governor Abbott and Donald Trump talk about an “invasion” from México, and billions of dollars are being spent on hyper-militarization of the border to stop this so-called invasion, the reality the delegation saw is that the people coming across the border are overwhelmingly families with children seeking refuge from the chaos caused by U.S. imperialism in their countries.

After leaving the second shelter, the delegation went to the edge of the Rio Grande on the México side. While on the México side there are homes and there’s a park where people can walk and sit alongside river, across the river on the U.S. side you see the massive militarization with huge coils of concertina wire, Border Patrol vehicles and armed officers, and huge spotlights pointed at the river and at México.

While at the river, the delegation saw Mexican police vehicles pull up suddenly, who said they received a report of someone drowning trying to cross the river. The delegation didn’t observe anyone drowning but did see one woman successfully cross the river and then try to present herself to the U.S. Border Patrol officials. The Border Patrol didn’t let her through, so instead she got back in the water to go further downstream. It was notable that she crossed successfully because local residents said that the water was higher and choppier than usual. So by forcing her to either swim back across to México or go further downstream to try to cross, it put her life at risk.

The growing battle in Texas and the importance of supporting border activists on the front line

Eagle Pass, Texas is at the epicenter of the conflict in the U.S. between reactionary forces like Donald Trump and Governor Abbott on the one hand, and the working class and oppressed nationality people on the other hand. While the Biden administration doesn’t oppose militarization of the border, the ongoing standoff in Eagle Pass between Texas, with support from other reactionary state governments like Florida, and the federal forces like Customs and Border Patrol and the U.S. Army, is one of the most serious manifestations of the extreme level of political polarization in the U.S. While the Biden administration might embrace Republican demands for even more militarization of the border, it also has the potential to sharpen into deeper conflict.

In this context, the organizers and activists in Eagle Pass are doing crucial work under very trying circumstances to support the right of immigrants to request asylum, and to stand against the racist anti-immigrant onslaught carried out by Governor Abbott and aided by national figures like Donald Trump.

This is why the Legalization for All Network organized their delegation, to amplify the voices of those organizers and show solidarity with them and with immigrants and asylum-seekers.

The delegation succeeded in supporting the struggle for immigrant rights on the front lines of the racist anti-immigrant attack in Texas, as well as deepening solidarity with immigrant rights organizers doing work on the front lines in Eagle Pass and Piedras Negras.

Amerika Garcia Grewal of the Eagle Pass Border Coalition, who helped host the delegation, said, “Our visitors inspired us with their personal attention and fresh insights in Saturday's workshop. They showed us how to turn our challenges into opportunities, and how to make a bigger impact in our community. Throughout their three-day visit their questions and concern for our community emphasized that we are not alone in our quest for justice and equality.”

A delegation member from Centro CSO, Los Angeles stated, “We hope to continue to solidify those relationships we made and continue to support them. What I learned by being on the ground in Eagle Pass is invaluable and I will be spreading that knowledge back home in Los Angeles.”

#EaglePassTX #ImmigrantRights #USMexicoBorder #L4A #CentroCSO #Feature

Eagle Pass, TX – Grassroots organizers from Legalization for All Network affiliates in California, Texas and Minnesota are on their way to the border town of Eagle Pass, Texas to learn from and support local organizers doing the work to feed, house and support immigrants and refugees in this town on the U.S./Mexico border.

Tensions have risen in Eagle Pass as Governor Greg Abott of Texas has continued to heavily militarize the border there, with Texas National Guard troops continuing to occupy Shelby Park along the Rio Grande River in defiance of federal court rulings and community demands that they leave.

Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson has also gone to Eagle Pass to do anti-immigrant photo-op stunts. The Texas National Guard’s occupation of this area led directly to the deaths of a mother and her two daughters in the river in January, by blocking anyone from trying to save them from drowning. The razor buoys that Governor Abbott put in the Rio Grande before that have also caused many deaths and injuries.

White supremacists have been emboldened and have been mobilizing to Eagle Pass supposedly to patrol the normally quiet border town to try to capitalize on this moment for their own racist agenda.

Adding to Texas’s wave of racist anti-immigrant hysteria, on February 20 Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced a lawsuit to try to shut down Annunciation House, a Catholic volunteer organization that offers hospitality to immigrants and refugees. Paxton ridiculously claims that the organization is “smuggling and harboring” immigrants. This is on top of the Texas legislature passing the draconian anti-immigrant bill SB 4 which is slated to go into effect in March.

Gabriel Quiroz Jr. of Centro CSO in Boyle Heights Los Angeles ,California, who will be participating in the Legalization for All Network delegation to Eagle Pass said, “I’m looking forward to getting to work and helping the groups and organizations on the ground in any way we can, in trying times like this solidarity is very important.”

Another participant in the upcoming border delegation, Brad Sigal of the Minnesota Immigrant Rights Action Committee, said, “The only ‘crisis’ at the border is the human rights catastrophe that Governor Abbott and anti-immigrant politicians like him are creating with their racist attacks. No human being is illegal.”

The Legalization for All Network delegation is being hosted by Eagle Pass community members who are ignored by Texas Governor Abbott and Republican congresspeople when they swoop into Eagle Pass to grandstand.

Delegation members plan to learn about and document the realities on the ground for immigrants and asylum seekers as well as for residents of this border town who live under constant surveillance and occupation by federal immigration enforcement agencies, and now Texas National Guard troops. They also plan to share what they learn to counter the propaganda pumped out by anti-immigrant politicians like Donald Trump and Greg Abbott.

#EaglePassTX #ImmigrantRights #USMexicoBorder #L4A #MIRAC #CentroCSO

Chicago, IL – On January 24, over 60 people crowded the Latino Cultural Center at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) to join a discussion with Juan González of the Great Cities Institute and David Ramirez of the Cuban Embassy around the current immigrant crisis and its root causes. The discussion was co-hosted by two campus groups: New Students for a Democratic Society (SDS) at UIC and Mexican Students de Aztlán (MeSA) at UIC.

SDS is a national grassroots organization fighting for progressive change on campus, led by and for students. Members of SDS continually work to fight against U.S. wars and interventions, racist discrimination, police crimes, homophobic and transphobic attacks, attacks on women, attacks on reproductive rights and more through mobilizing protests and campaigns. MeSA is a Chicano, Latino, community-based organization that was established in 1993. MeSA emerged primarily to address pressing problems and issues affecting the Mexican, Chicano and the Latino communities. Young student activists and representatives from six other organizations also got the opportunity to chime in and speak at this extremely insightful gathering.

The importance of a conversation around the current immigrant crisis was made clear to members of SDS and MeSA after tens of thousands of Venezuelan immigrants began pouring into Chicago after being bused out of states like Texas and Florida by racist right-wing Republican governors Greg Abbott and Ron DeSantis. These new arrivals are living in poor conditions inside and outside police districts, local parks, empty lots, and sometimes on street corners and sidewalks. Meanwhile, both major political parties are set to host their national conventions in the summer of 2024 – with the Democratic National Convention taking place in Chicago.

In October 2023, the veteran activist and renowned journalist Juan González published his report titled How U.S. Policy Toward Latin America Has Fueled Historic Numbers of Asylum Seekers. It was then that SDS and MeSA decided to team up with the Chicago Cuba Coalition to organize this educational event. Student activists and representatives from the endorsing organizations were asked to speak about the effects U.S. foreign policy has had on immigration from their respective homelands, as well as what that means for our movement today.

First to speak was Louise Macaraniag from Anakbayan at UIC, a youth activist organization fighting for the liberation of the Philippines through the national democratic movement. Macaraniag drew connections between the newly arrived immigrants from Venezuela to those coming from Mexico, Syria and the Philippines, reminding the crowd that this immigration “is a symptom of U.S. imperialism.” After elaborating on the economic ties between the governments of the Philippines and the U.S., they shared the story of their own family’s forced migration and the trauma that ensued. Macaraniag urged those in attendance to “stand in solidarity with all colonized people across the world to fight against U.S. imperialism.”

Next was the vice-president of the Union of Puerto Rican Students at UIC, Patricia Sepulveda. She began her speech by commending the discussion’s attendees for refusing to stay silent in such turbulent times. Sepulveda shocked the room as she quoted what Puerto Rico’s first civilian governor, Charles Herbert Allen stated in 1901, “Puerto Rico is a beautiful island with its natural resources undeveloped, and its population unfitted to assume the management of their own affairs. With American capital and American energies, the labor of the natives can be utilized to the benefit of all parties.” However, Sepulveda pointed out that what followed was exploitation and destruction of the island in the name of profits, much to the benefit of the U.S. and to the detriment of Puerto Ricans.

Sepulveda concluded that there is an immigrant crisis only because the U.S. has “created a system that leaves people all over Latin America in shambles, and with no choice but to come here, just to be treated like second-class citizens.”

Mahdi Muhamad spoke immediately after on behalf of the Students for Justice in Palestine at UIC, a powerful student organization that promotes justice, human rights and liberation for the Palestinian people. His passionate speech further exposed the heinous crimes that the U.S. government continues to facilitate in Gaza and all of occupied Palestine by sending billions of dollars in “aid” to the genocidal state of Israe. Muhamad closed his remarks with chants of “Free Palestine” that participants proudly echoed.

A co-founder of the newly formed Latine Student Coalition at UIC, Jay Campos, spoke about the brutal exploitation of Latin America by U.S. multinational corporations in the 20th century and the crippling consequences of the coups that they backed against several democratically-elected governments in the region. He also identified the annexation of northern Mexico by the U.S. in 1848 as a “critical point in history” and oppression.

Then, Sol Márquez joined the discussion online to represent Legalization For All (L4A), a large network of organizations and individuals fighting for immigrant rights and legalization for all 12 million undocumented people across the country. Márquez shared what she and others in L4A witnessed during their delegation to the U.S./San Diego border in April 2023, “Policies like NAFTA and embargos like the ones placed on Cuba and Venezuela led to immigration waves from these progressive nations.”

Márquez continued, “We have witnessed protective asylum status for Ukrainian immigrants, and the U.S. fondly referring to them as refugees – but the same gestures are never afforded to immigrants like my Mexican parents or Central American ones.”

The co-hosting student organizations, MeSA and SDS, made their final remarks before segueing to Juan González and David Ramirez. The president of MeSA at UIC, Lucy Arias, called attention to the historic hypocrisy of the U.S. government for their use of Mexican labor via the “Bracero” program implemented during World War II. She said, “Policies have been passed in the United States to both impede and facilitate the flow of immigration, depending on what is most convenient and needed by the United States. We are exposed to exploitation, maltreatment, threats, extortion and more, all because we looked for a new opportunity. They wanted our Braceros, “our brazos” but not our persons and people.”

Sahian Sotelo, a student organizer, emphasized the importance of community and solidarity in their speech on behalf of SDS at UIC. “Recently,” they said, “right-wing reactionary politicians have been having their way as they watch generations of existing Latino communities in Chicago turn against the incoming Venezuelans. The most potent weapon of the oppressor is the mind of the oppressed. In turning against each other, we oppress ourselves and our very own community, when the reality is we are all struggling- and struggling together at that. In the struggle, there should be solidarity. Solidarity to stand up to our true oppressor.” Sotelo left the crowd on a powerful note with the vintage SDS chant, “Dare to struggle, dare to win!”

After the student activists and organizers finished their remarks, keynote speakers Juan González and David Ramirez were set to talk. At this point in the program, they both acknowledged and informed the audience that the youth speakers had energized and fired them up. González, in particular, fondly recalled being a member of the original SDS during his time as a youth activist in the late 1960s. During the presentation of his report on the current immigrant crisis, González repeatedly drew attention to and identified U.S. economic warfare against three specific countries – Nicaragua, Venezuela and Cuba – as a driving force in the latest migration surge.

González also detailed why so many people are fleeing Venezuela; the endless Cuba embargo; the sanctions against Nicaragua; the history of U.S. intervention in Latin America, and practical solutions.

Finally, David Ramirez joined the discussion virtually from Washington, DC to speak on his work at the Cuban Embassy, the historic relations between the governments of the U.S. and Cuba, and Cuba’s tourist economy. Ramirez explained that we need background and context to understand why over 400,000 Cubans have immigrated to the U.S. Southwest border in the last couple years – the vast majority then heading to Florida.

Julie Wolenski spoke on behalf of the Chicago Cuba Coalition and motivated the audience to see Cuba for themselves. She suggested to folks, “Join a May Day delegation or brigade and join the campaign to take Cuba off the SSOT list!”

Afterwards, the students, organizers and community members gathered and held banners to record a short video demanding the U.S. end its blockade against Cuba and lift the sanctions against Venezuela and Nicaragua. The Latino Cultural Center was soon infused with a militant mood as activists broke out in a spirit of solidarity. We chanted “Cuba si! Bloqueo no!” and “El pueblo unido jamás será vencido!” Juan González and David Ramirez reminded those of us in the room that day that things didn’t have to be this way. If we wanted the situation to change, we had to fight for it.

#ChicagoIL #ImmigrantRights #StudentMovement #SDS #MECHa #International #Venezuela #Nicaragua #LatinAmerica #Cuba #L4A

Fight Back News Service is circulating the following statement from the Legalization for all Network.

!!Emergency Action!!

Call Biden and your two senators:

Stand Up to Anti-Immigrant, Racist Republicans!

In Eagle Pass, Texas, Governor Abbott, with support from Trump and other Republicans in Congress, are refusing to allow Federal Customs and Border Patrol agents to remove the deadly razor wire in the Rio Grande at Shelby Park. Texas lost their case at the Supreme Court, resulting in an ongoing standoff. Additionally, Governor Abbott has deployed the Texas National Guard to occupy 47 acres of Shelby Park. This occupation has led to at least three recorded deaths — the drowning of a mother and her two children. The Guard blocked Border Patrol from rendering aid to them and stood back as the three drowned. President Biden called on Abbott to also remove the Guard as immigration is a federal matter, but Abbott has refused to comply.

At the same time, Congress is coming closer to reaching an immigration deal. Republican House Speaker Johnson warned of stopping the deal and holding back further military aid to Ukraine and Israel, if the deal did not include stronger border enforcement. Current reports have read that if passed, the deal would dismantle key asylum protections, allow the president the power to “close the border” if a threshold of immigrants crossing is reached, and increase swift deportations. It is vital for Biden, the Democrats, the Senate, and the general public to stand up against these increasing racist attacks on immigrants by the Republicans.

We must denounce the growing oppressive, anti-immigrant sentiment the Republicans are whipping up targeting refugees from Central America, Mexico, Haiti, and South America. Now more than ever, we must support human rights activists in Eagle Pass who are seeing tremendous rise of immigration activity.

Make your THREE phone calls to:

President Biden and demand that he stand with immigrants against these racist Republican attacks! (202) 456-1111

Script: “My name is —- calling from (City/State) urging President Biden to side with the undocumented and put a stop to racist, anti-immigrant Republicans like Texas Governor Abbott who is leading countless atrocities and attacks against refugees! Don’t back down now Biden! Put a stop to human rights violations against the undocumented, legalization for all now!”

Send President Biden an email: https://www.whitehouse.gov/contact/

Your TWO senators and demand they vote AGAINST further funding Ukraine, Israel and border militarization.

Look up your senators’ phones and emails:

https://www.senate.gov/senators/senators-contact.htm

Script: “My name is ___ and I am a (YOUR STATE) resident. I urge the Senator to vote NO on the proposed funding bill that would severely restrict asylum rights, increase swift deportations, and provide billions of dollars to Israel to continue the genocide of Palestinians. The Senator must show they stand against attacks on immigrants to push a political agenda. The Senator should work toward an end to US aid for war and refuse to trade immigrant rights for further funding of death, destruction, and displacement.”

#ImmigrantRights #L4A #USMexicoBorder

Milwaukee, WI – The Coalition to March on the RNC is hosting an organizing conference on February 17 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Activists from across the U.S. will gather at the conference to unite around a plan to rally on the opening day of the Republican National Convention, Monday, July 15.

“We are looking to consolidate plans with all forces that are against the Republicans’ racist and reactionary agenda. We are also looking to inform leaders across the country as to what the situation on the ground in Milwaukee looks like as we prepare to march to within sight and sound of the front doors of the convention,” said Omar Flores, spokesperson in Milwaukee for the Coalition to March on the RNC.

Flores continued, “Since the convention was announced, we've been demanding the city of Milwaukee give us a permit to march on the RNC. We also oppose suspending police rules during the march on the RNC, like those covering the release of body camera footage of critical incidents. Why do the rules governing police conduct go out the window when a big national protest against the rich and arrogant is coming to Milwaukee?”

Flores exclaims, “We welcome all those opposed to the Republican Party and who want to build a better world. Together we will show the world that working and oppressed people in America are standing together with a progressive agenda for change that the politicians of both parties have to answer to. On July 15 there will be student groups, community organizations, trade unions, women’s and LGBTQ groups, as well as anti-war and Palestine solidarity contingents.”

The Coalition to march on the RNC is united under three slogans: “Fight the Racist and Reactionary Republican Agenda!” “Defend Reproductive Rights!” and “Demand Peace, Justice, and Equality for All!”

The Coalition is excited to announce prominent speakers from important movements and past leaders of the Coalition to March on the RNC protest. Speakers at the organizing conference will include Frank Chapman, National Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression; Carlos Montes, a cofounder of the Brown Berets spokesperson for Legalization for All; Jess Sundin, March on the RNC 2008 in Saint Paul, Minnesota; Fern Figueroa, March on the RNC 20012 in Tampa, Florida; along with representatives from the International League of Peoples Struggle, New SDS, Coalition to March on the DNC in Chicago, and many more. They will motivate our organizing over the next five months and help lead us in confronting the oppressive and backwards attacks of the Republicans.

To endorse the Coalition to March on the Republican National Convention 2024 please visit www.marchonrnc2024.org

#MilwaukeeWI #PeoplesStruggles #RNC2024 #NAARPR #L4A #ILPS #SDS #Feature

Dallas, TX – The Legalization for All Network is asking all to express their anger December 1 against the racist Texas Senate Bill 4.

SB 4 would make it a state crime to cross into Texas from Mexico without proper documentation, allowing Texas law enforcement to arrest anyone they think might be undocumented. The U.S. Supreme Court’s case 2012 Arizona v. The United States however, ruled that only the federal government can enforce immigration laws, not police, sheriff’s deputies, or state troopers. Therefore constitutionally, law enforcement does not have the power to racially profile or deport. Nobody has to prove citizenship status or provide any immigration documents to a law enforcement officer.

“Senate Bill 4 is expected to be signed into law in the coming days,” says Xavi Velasquez. Velasquez is an immigrant rights activist based in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and organizes with the grassroots organization La Frontera Nos Cruzó. “It will give a free hand to local law enforcement to actively discriminate against the Chicano and Latino community in Texas. Laws like this coming after the heightening of the border crisis by Greg Abbot show the intent of Texas lawmakers to target not only immigrants but the historic Chicano and Latino community of Texas.”

Texas has a long history of oppressing Chicanos, dating back to its founding by pro-slavery politicians, illegal white settlers, and their posse – the Texas Rangers. Mexico outlawed slavery and Texan settlers revolted, leading to further exploitation of Mexicans, Chicanos and African Americans. Conditions were bad, especially those who tilled the soil on cotton farms. With an oppression as longstanding as the Texan one, it comes as no surprise that centuries later, we continue fighting back like today. Governor Greg Abbott is teaming up with Trump for further repression against the undocumented, and we will not be silent.

The Legalization for All Network (L4A) is asking all chapters and allies to demonstrate their outrage leading up to December 1. That day, La Frontera Nos Cruzó, part of L4A, is holding an action and the details will soon be released.

All who are indignant of SB 4 are asked to make a poster and take a picture with it, write statements and submit to L4A, send a 30-second video expressing their anger, or organize a local action. Submit all to Legalization for All social media or email LegalizationForAll@gmail.com

L4A’s pillars are legalization for all, no racist border wall, no militarization at the border and no more deaths, stop the exploitation of undocumented workers, stop the deportations and separation of families, and a stop to the sterilization and sexual violence against the undocumented. For more information or to join L4A, send them a message.

#DallasTX #ImmigrantRights #L4A #USMexicoBorder #Feature

Fight Back! is circulating the following call for solidarity from the Legalization for All Network.

Show Your Support for Immigrants at the Border

The Legalization for All Network is calling on all who are interested in showing support for the undocumented, to make a short 30-second video. Legalization for All Network (L4A) is a national movement challenging the oppressive and harmful policies of Operation Lone Star. Operation Lone Star was created in 2021 and uses various tactics to further militarize the U.S./México border. It is the joining of forces between the Texas Department of Public Safety and the Texas Military Department. Under Governor Greg Abbott in July of 2023, $1million buoys were dropped in the Rio Grande/Rio Bravo waters. These buoys are equipped with razor-sharp saws, chained to the bottom of the river (so they are immobile), and wrapped with concertina wire. While the buoys are dangerous and have already claimed lives, continued efforts have been to also remove the longstanding concertina wire along the river.

The latest request for video solidarity is in support of the people of Eagle Pass, Texas. They are organizing against human rights violations at the border. All are asked to give voice to and demand justice and peace for immigrants and border communities. L4A wants to see and hear messages of support, stories of resistance, and visions of change.

Videos will be spliced together by Jordan Peña from Los Angeles’ Centro Community Service Organization, and the video will be played during a vigil. The vigil will be held on October 23rd, for the lives lost at the Eagle Pass/Mexican border. It is being led by the coalition Border Vigil, which is part of L4A.

Videos should be submitted by Monday, October 16th, by emailing LegalizationForAll@gmail.com. They should be no longer than 30 seconds. Videos should mention the recent atrocities at the border, shout support for Eagle Pass, and use the legalization for all demand. Any language, style, or format is allowed, as long as it is respectful and relevant. Organization shirts are welcome. Filming should be done preferably outside or at city landmarks. All devices or platforms are allowed, such as phones, cameras, laptops, or social media. Participants are asked to tag Legalization for All or direct message a link to videos.

Go here for complete video instructions and guidelines.

For organizations and individuals interested in joining L4A visit @LegalizationForAll on social media or email LegalizationForAll@gmail.com.

#ImmigrantRights #L4A #USMexicoBorder #Featured

Fight Back News Service is circulating the following statement from the Legalization for All (L4A) network.

Across the country outrage grew at the Trump administration’s policy of forced removal of children from their families. Photos of toddlers sobbing while their parent is being arrested at the border. Reports of children being detained in cages and of tent cities in the desert that remind one of concentration camps. The sounds of children crying in detention centers, calling for their mothers. A policy that goes beyond racist to truly barbaric. A policy that no less than representatives of the United Nations and the American Pediatric Association label child abuse.

Many commentators have drawn parallels with the policies of Nazi Germany to separate families of Jews, Slavs, and others ultimately sent to their deaths. But we need to look no further than the history of national oppression inside the United States: where Native parents were slaughtered and their children sold as slaves while their lands were taken. African slave families broken up on the auction block. Japanese American families broken up in the concentration and prison camps during World War II. And now the latest and no less shocking policy of arresting immigrants from Central America and Mexico, many if not most seeking asylum and safe haven and taking away their children. In fact it is the Trump administration, not the immigrants, who are the actual criminals.

The Trump administration is trying to hold these children hostage to get an immigration bill that would fund the wall on the Mexican border, end the diversity visa that would severely cut immigration from Africa, and restrict legal immigration by cutting family reunification visas. This is a policy of ransom by kidnappers. A regime of criminals whose corruption, defense of white supremacists, and justification of sexual assault has no parallel in living memory.

Bowing to public pressure, the Trump administration issued an executive order calling for unlimited joint detention of families. This raises the prospect of concentration camps on the border and runs against the Flores court agreement that says that the U.S. government cannot detain children any longer than twenty days, and should release them as soon as possible. Trump’s order also does not speak to the more than 2,000 children already separated from their families. It has a number of loopholes that would allow for the continuing separation of children from their families.

Trump’s attorney general, Jeff Sessions, issued an order earlier that the administration would deny hearings and lead to immediate deportation of women and children fleeing from domestic, gang, and criminal violence. This is the same man who claimed that the Bible justified separating children from their parents. While it is not for us to judge, but we would certainly nominate him for a special place in hell (to use the Trump administration’s words).

Legalization for All (L4A) calls for immediate reunification of immigrant families, release of all children from detention, legalization of the DACA and DACA eligible youth, and the legalization of those with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and Deferred Enforcement Departure (DED), many of whom have been in the United States for a decade or more. We want the restoration of asylum rights for those fleeing domestic violence and threats from gangs whose roots are actually in the United States. We oppose attempts to cut the U-visa for victims of domestic violence, to eliminate the diversity visa, and to restrict family unification visas for legal immigration.

The pillars of our network:

No to Trump's Wall! Legalization for All! Stop the Deportations/Abolish ICE! No guest worker Expansion!

Visit us on the web at: https://legalizationforall.wordpress.com/

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