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Against the backdrop of a massive replica of the Declaration of Independence, members of SEIU 721 joined forces with other labor unions, immigration activists, local faith leaders, artists and people affected by ICE raids to launch the “Summer of Resistance” at La Placita Olvera in downtown LA today. The lively gathering kick-started a month-long rapid response effort and movement for peaceful protest in answer to the Trump regime’s ICE raids throughout Southern California.
SEIU 721 Executive Director and President David Green provided attendees with a vivid description of a horrifying ICE raid which took place last week at the Home Depot directly across the street from our union’s headquarters. Just hours later that same day, our union brother David Huerta of SEIU California was unjustly detained by ICE agents.
“This is a real turning point for our union,” said David Green. “That’s why we’re part of the Summer of Resistance. We are here because for the next 30 days we will be engaging in peaceful protests. There is power in workers. There is power in immigrants. We are not going to back down. We are going to fight. And when we fight?”
“WE WIN!” the entire crowd responded.
Attendees at the “Summer of Resistance” launch included workers from UTLA, UFCW 324, UFCW 770, Teamsters Local 396, the Central American Resource Center (CARECEN), the Coalition for Human Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles (CHIRLA), LA United Front, KIWA Workers for Justice and a variety of clergy members from CLUE (Clergy and Laity United for Economic justice).
La Placita Olvera – the birthplace of Los Angeles – will serve as the heart of the 30-day “Summer of Resistance,” which will feature:
- Rapid Response
- Know-Your-Rights Training and Teach-Ins
- Storytelling and Digital Campaigns
- Mutual Aid and Support
- Resistance Art
- Prayer Vigils and Daily Public Fasts
“This is not just a social justice issue,” said Pastor Cue-Jn-Marie of CLUE. “This is not just a legal issue. This is a moral issue.”
CHIRLA representatives alerted everyone about the hotline number to call if you’ve been impacted by an ICE raid: (888) 624-4752. Teachers from UTLA described the need for both awareness and solidarity.
“I teach high school seniors,” said Thalia, a teacher with UTLA and the mother of two children. “It is usually a period of joy. This year, there is a lot of anxiety. The presence of a military-style immigration operation threatens the public. UTLA is here. We are not going to back down. The real crisis is escalation by immigration authorities. Our schools will always be welcoming places.”
As more actions in and around the “Summer of Resistance” take place, our union will be sure to update everyone. For now, let’s be sure to stand up for one another and to face the future together. Never forget: Together, we win!
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To view more images from the Summer of Resistance launch, visit our Flickr page. You can also view more content from this event and more via Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and X (formerly known as Twitter).
