Self-Defense Against ICE: Community Groups In L.A. Are Uniting to Protect Themselves

In response to growing concerns about ICE raids in immigrant communities, a coalition of community leaders, advocacy groups, and community members held a press conference outside the immigration building in downtown Los Angeles on Wednesday, February 12th, to announce a unified effort to protect vulnerable individuals. Union de Barrio organized the event, along with Stop LAPD Spying Coalition, Centro CSO, and many others.

The Community Self-Defense Coalition comprises various grassroots organizations in Los Angeles. Their mission is to provide support and advocacy to ensure the safety and rights of all immigrants, regardless of their status.

“We are right here in Los Angeles, where we’ve seen hundreds of our youth walk out of school to stand up for immigrant rights,” said Gabriel Quiroz Jr. with Centro CSO.

More than 50 organizations have joined the call to join this coalition, making it one of Southern California's largest immigrant rights coalitions. The group aims to extend from the San Fernando Valley to the U.S./Mexico border. The coalition is organizing training sessions to prepare its members for community tactics to defend their neighbors from ICE raids and deportations, which are currently terrorizing people across the country.