Listen to this note:
Donald Trump governs with hatred and violence. Los Angeles has made clear that these two pillars—his political formula for success—are not tolerated in California, the state that is emerging as the spearhead of both civil and governmental resistance to Trump’s war on immigrants and ethnic communities.
Trump’s violent raids, carried out through ICE, target both undocumented and documented immigrants, including minors, pregnant women, and honest workers who have served this country for years. These actions have triggered mass protests that could grow into a national anti-fascist social movement.
Thousands across the country, starting in Los Angeles, have taken to the streets to demand an end to the war on our communities. The overwhelming majority have demonstrated peacefully and in an organized manner, holding signs and chanting slogans that say it all, many even expressing joy amid the pain felt by our communities.
Protests are a way for us to meet face to face out in the streets, to speak about what outrages and inspires us and to share ideas for overcoming the storm we’re going through—something very simple yet incredibly important in times when technology, the pandemic, and now the fear of deportations have kept us isolated, disconnected, or only semi-connected through screens and mobile devices.
It is deeply moving and worthy of recognition to see so many people leave the comfort of their homes to walk for hours, raise signs, sing, and stand against the rising tide of fascism in this country. To these people: thank you.
Others—a small group—have chosen violence: setting cars on fire, throwing rocks onto highways, and attacking local businesses, many of which are, in fact, our allies.
In response, Mexico’s President, Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, condemned the violent raids targeting immigrant workers, but also urged our communities not to fall for provocations. “We condemn violence, no matter where it comes from,” she said.
Other prominent figures, such as legendary activist Dolores Huerta, also called for nonviolent protest. The same message came from Fuerza Migrante, a national organization based in Washington, D.C.
These violent incidents are isolated and do not represent the spirit of the protests. However, when our flags are present in such scenes, they become powerful images that, taken out of context, end up feeding Trump’s narrative and his fascist agenda.
Within migrant communities—in homes, supermarkets, workplaces, and on the radio—there is talk, without evidence, of infiltrators: individuals sent by the government itself to sow chaos and fear, justifying Trump’s rhetoric of a “foreign invasion.”
Even though Los Angeles authorities have stated that the protests are under control, Trump responded to the very unrest he himself provoked with the shameful deployment of the National Guard and U.S. Marines to Los Angeles.
Trump’s militarization efforts undermine the country’s already fragile democracy, interpreted as a trial run for authoritarian policies aimed at total control and silencing any opposition—measures characteristic of a dictator.
In this context, California Governor Gavin Newsom has emerged, timely and appropriately, as the powerful political voice urgently needed in defense of immigrants and democracy across California and the nation.
“If some of us can be kidnapped off the streets without a warrant, based solely on suspicion or skin color, then none of us are safe. Authoritarian regimes begin by targeting those least able to defend themselves,” said Newsom. He warned, “California will continue to fight. We will keep fighting for our people, for all our people—even in the courts.”
California, a giant, is raising its voice. If done intelligently—by recognizing and working with allies, avoiding provocation, and not playing the game of hatred and violence the bully in the White House wants us to play—this could mark the beginning of an inclusive civil movement, pro-immigrant, pro-democracy, and pro-human rights: exactly what the United States needs for its reconstruction.
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