The federal administration headed by Donald Trump, starting on January 20, will face a strong response from activists and government bodies, especially in cities like San Francisco, committed to combating anti-immigrant policies that threaten to deport nearly 12 million people in the United States.
During a lengthy plenary hearing of the Immigrant Rights Commission, various leaders raised their voices to reject the policies promised by Trump, calling them “discriminatory and dangerous for millions of working families who have contributed to the development of the country.”
Francisco Ugarte, manager of the Immigration Defense Unit of the San Francisco Public Defender's Office, said that "we are ready to defend the migrant population; there are people who are deported because they do not have adequate defense and advice, we are going to put the personnel and resources that we have at the disposal of the migrant population."
He highlighted the city of San Francisco's commitment to remaining a safe place for immigrant communities, even in the face of federal pressure.
The session brought together activists, community organizations and local officials who outlined strategies to protect migrants and reinforce the sanctuary city policies that characterize San Francisco.
Local authorities reaffirmed their position of not collaborating with immigration agents in the detention and deportation of undocumented persons, stressing the importance of safeguarding the human rights of all residents, regardless of their immigration status.
“San Francisco has been and will continue to be a haven for those seeking a better life. We will not allow threats of mass deportation to destroy the fabric of our communities,” emphasized Lariza Dugan-Cuadra, executive director of the Central American Resource Center of Northern California (CARECEN) SF.
With Trump taking office, immigrant rights organizations anticipate an increase in anti-immigrant rhetoric and deportation policies. However, local leaders and activists made it clear that they are prepared to face these challenges and ensure that immigrants receive the necessary support in these uncertain times.
The event was chaired by Celine Kennelly, President of the Migrants' Rights Commission (IRC), and was attended by numerous representatives of non-profit organizations, activists and government bodies.
The event was attended by staff from the Immigrant Legal Resource Center and the California Immigration Policy Center, as well as the San Francisco Immigrant Legal and Education Network and the San Francisco Bar Association's Center for Justice and Diversity, among others.
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