31-07-2025
- Politics
- Los Angeles Times
As ICE raids sweep through Southern California, grassroots groups become a lifeline for immigrants
David Cruz has never seen the Latino community face such pressure. Yet he's never felt more connected to it or more committed to his work.
The urgency Cruz feels isn't unique. As the Trump administration's immigration crackdown leads to dozens of raids at homes and worksites across Southern California, community organizations like the one Cruz works for — League of United Latin American Citizens — are seeing an unprecedented surge in demand for their services.
These organizations are responding to the crisis with expanded legal aid, educational outreach, and housing assistance.
'We work with everyone, and you don't have to be Latino to be a member … our mission is empowerment through education,' Cruz said. 'As people look out and are seeking more help, they're coming to us more and more. I like the fact that they're coming to us, and I get a chance to try and touch as many lives as possible.'
That growing demand for support is not limited to Cruz's organization.
Esperanza Immigrants Rights Project, a nonprofit focused on Latino advocacy through education and human rights programs, is seeing similar trends. Staff reports have responded by expanding community education efforts, including 'Know Your Rights' presentations. They've also partnered with housing providers such as homeless shelters to train staff on how to better assist the immigrants and migrants they serve.
'[We're] really trying to take a step back and look at the people that we're serving as a whole person, and make sure that we're doing our best to meet all of the needs, especially during this time where a lot of them are telling us that they're really scared,' said Vanessa Cecena, director of holistic services and capacity building at Esperanza.
Cecena emphasized that legal representation is especially important in immigration cases, where the system is often confusing and difficult to manage without help. She noted that many immigrants face challenges applying for citizenship or even understanding their rights in court.
UnidosUS, a national Latino civil rights and advocacy group, works with a national network of local partners that provide legal and social services to immigrant families.
'Community-based organizations are oftentimes a place where members of the community are comfortable in getting information and going to them because they trust and rely on them,' said Laura Vazquez, director of immigrant integration at UnidosUS.
During times of heightened immigration enforcement, Vazquez said these organizations help immigrants navigate a complex legal system and ensure that due process is upheld.
Still, access to these services isn't always easy. Fernando Romero, the Associate Director of Catholic Charities of Los Angeles Immigrant and Refugee Resettlement program, said the insular nature of some communities makes it hard for newcomers to find support.
'These organizations have been around, but because the communities are so insular, they're not always easy to find unless you're already a member of the community,' Romero said.
Los Angeles, home to one of the largest immigrant populations in the country, reflects many of these national concerns. Advocates note that undocumented residents have often lived in the U.S. for years and remain active contributors to their communities.
According to Pew Research Center, 65% of Americans support allowing undocumented immigrants to stay in the U.S. legally, with 36% backing a path to citizenship for those who meet specific requirements.
Representatives from Chinese for Affirmative Action echoed the sense of fear among Chinese Americans. Staff pointed to increased anxiety tied to former President Donald Trump's renewed calls for mass deportation during his campaign.
'There's a lot of uncertainty right now,' said Sin Yen, Communications Director from Chinese for Affirmative Action. 'Immigrants need to stay informed about policy changes.'
Yen's connection to the work is personal. Her parents immigrated to the United States in the 1970s. Her father was undocumented, and her mother was a green card holder. At the time, gaining legal status was more accessible.
'Every time we represent, whether it be a Chinese migrant or an El Salvadoran immigrant, it's an extension of my family,' she said. 'They have a stake in what happens in their community, and they are equally important as everybody else.' Related
