Residents in Chicago and Los Angeles are coming together to build multiracial solidarity in response to recent arrests by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Following the detention of a South Los Angeles tamale vendor and her associates in June, community members organized a march and vigil to protest the actions of federal agents and support affected families. The event, which highlighted cultural pride and unity, marked the beginning of a grassroots movement aimed at protecting local communities from immigration enforcement activities.
In the wake of these incidents, residents have been gathering in backyards and community centers to develop strategies for mutual aid, emphasizing the importance of collective action. As immigration enforcement continues to intensify, particularly in areas with significant Black and Latine populations, the need for cross-cultural support has become increasingly urgent.
Building Solidarity in South Los Angeles
According to Enrique Gaspar, an organizer with the anti-poverty nonprofit Community Coalition, solidarity has become a daily practice for local residents. After witnessing numerous arrests, Gaspar stated, “We made a plan to protect ourselves. Because an attack against one of us is a strike against all of us. We need to confront ICE terror together.”
In response to heightened immigration arrests, primarily affecting Black and Latine neighbors, community members launched the “Reclaim Our Streets” campaign. This initiative aims to educate immigrants about their legal rights and provide support for those impacted by raids. The coalition has also expanded its efforts to include advocacy for rent control in Los Angeles, highlighting the interconnectedness of various social justice issues.
The demographic landscape of South Los Angeles has shifted significantly over the years, transitioning from a historically Black community to one that is predominantly Latine. These changes reflect broader national trends of gentrification and disinvestment, which have fostered both tension and opportunities for collaboration among different racial groups.
Shared Challenges and Historical Context
The reality of immigration enforcement is particularly stark for Black immigrants, who, although constituting only 5.4 percent of the undocumented population, represent 20 percent of immigrants facing deportation due to criminal convictions, as revealed by a data analysis conducted by the Black Alliance for Justice Immigration. This group has worked tirelessly to support Black immigrants across the country, particularly in the face of intensified enforcement actions.
A member of the Black Alliance for Justice Immigration, who chose to remain anonymous due to safety concerns, emphasized the shared vulnerabilities within the Black community. “The ICE dragnet makes all Black people vulnerable,” they noted. “Immigration enforcement is an extension of anti-Black policing.”
The historical context of ICE operations echoes past injustices faced by Black communities, including the enforcement of the Fugitive Slave Act, which mandated the arrest of individuals based on their race. Activists, such as Joan Agoh from the Black Alliance for Peace, draw parallels between current ICE practices and the violence experienced by Black individuals throughout U.S. history, highlighting the need for a united front against systemic oppression.
In Los Angeles, community members have engaged in direct actions to counter ICE’s presence, including volunteer patrols to monitor federal agents and ensure the safety of vulnerable individuals. Local residents have described the importance of maintaining open lines of communication and fostering trust across racial lines to build effective coalitions.
As the situation unfolds, the momentum for multiracial solidarity continues to grow. Events such as food distributions and community meetings at places like La Tiendita, a free store serving both Black and Latine residents in Chicago, exemplify the power of collaboration. Volunteers from diverse backgrounds work together to meet the needs of their neighbors, fostering connections that transcend cultural and linguistic barriers.
The conversations surrounding solidarity have taken on new urgency as both Black and Latine communities confront escalating pressures from local policing and federal immigration enforcement. As residents attempt to navigate these challenges, they recognize the necessity of collective action to protect their rights and well-being.
The ongoing efforts of community organizations and grassroots activists are critical in creating a climate of support and resilience. By uniting against common threats, residents in Chicago and Los Angeles are setting a powerful example of what solidarity can achieve in the face of adversity. The path forward may be fraught with challenges, but the commitment to mutual aid and understanding remains strong.
