LULAC Protects Voters" Rights

LULAC SECURES SWEEPING FEDERAL COURT VICTORY IN DEFENSE OF VOTERS' RIGHTS Nation's Oldest and Largest Latino Civil Rights Organization Wins Injunction Halting Anti-Voter Executive Order That Threatened to Disenfranchise Millions Washington, D.C. — The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) today hailed a landmark federal court ruling that strikes down key provisions of a controversial executive order seeking to impose documentary proof of citizenship for voter registration—an effort that posed a direct threat to millions of eligible voters across the country, especially in Latino, Black, Indigenous, student, and military communities. U.S. District Court Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly issued a preliminary injunction preventing the Election Assistance Commission (EAC) from enforcing Section 2(a) of Executive Order 14248, which had instructed the EAC to alter the federal voter registration form to include new, burdensome documentation requirements. The Court also blocked Section 2(d), which would have permitted federal agencies to deny voters access to the federal registration form unless they could verify citizenship, effectively rolling back decades of hard-fought voting protections. "This decision is a crucial win for voting rights and a direct strike against efforts to intimidate and disenfranchise Latino voters and communities of color," said Roman Palomares, LULAC National President and Chairman of the Board. "LULAC joined this legal challenge because the stakes were too high. This was a blatant attempt to override federal law, bypass Congress, and deter lawful voters from participating in our democracy. The Court rightly upheld the principle that voting is a right—not a privilege reserved for a select few." The Court's decision affirms that the president does not possess unilateral authority to impose conditions on voter registration governed by the National Voter Registration Act (NVRA), a statute enacted by Congress to streamline and expand voter participation. Under this law, the EAC—not the Executive Branch—has exclusive authority to determine the content of the federal voter registration form. Any attempt by the president to dictate changes outside of that process is unlawful and unconstitutional. "This is not just a victory for LULAC, but for every eligible American voter," said Juan Proaño, LULAC Chief Executive Officer. "The Court sent a clear and powerful message: no president can unilaterally rewrite election law to suppress the vote. This ruling ensures our elections remain accessible, lawful, and free from undue interference. It safeguards the voices of millions who depend on the integrity of our democratic system." Had the executive order been enforced, it would have placed an unlawful burden on marginalized voters, many of whom do not possess the narrow forms of identification that would have been required. The order also threatened to eliminate the use of mail-in ballots in 17 states, disenfranchising voters with disabilities, active-duty military personnel, and overseas citizens. Further, it would have imposed harsh penalties on states that refused to comply, including withholding essential federal funding. "This executive order was an attempt—without any legal authority—to upend our voter registration and mail-in voting processes," added Palomares. "The impact would have been devastating, particularly for voters already facing barriers. This ruling restores confidence in our democratic system. It reminds us that our courts remain a vital defense against executive overreach." LULAC served as lead plaintiff in the case, joined by its partners, the Secure Families Initiative and the Arizona Students' Association, with legal representation from the Campaign Legal Center and the State Democracy Defenders Fund. Plaintiffs included college students, Latino voters, and members of the military—all communities historically at higher risk of being disenfranchised. "This ruling reaffirms the separation of powers and the checks and balances that protect our freedoms," said Proaño. "It is a reminder that no one—not even a former president—can stand above the Constitution. The rule of law prevailed." LULAC has long been at the forefront of protecting the voting rights of underrepresented communities and will continue to lead the fight against voter suppression, intimidation, and any form of discrimination aimed at silencing the voice of the American people. # # # About LULAC The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) is the nation's oldest and largest Latino civil rights organization. Founded in 1929, LULAC is committed to advancing the rights and opportunities of Latino Americans through advocacy, community building, and education. With a growing network of councils nationwide, LULAC remains steadfast in its mission to protect and empower millions of Latinos, contributing daily to America's prosperity. For more information about LULAC and its initiatives, please visit www.LULAC.org.

 

Trump, Migrants and the Insurrection Act

 What is the Insurrection Act?

The Insurrection Act authorizes the president to deploy military forces inside the United States to suppress rebellion or domestic violence or to enforce the law in certain situations. The statute implements Congress’s authority under the Constitution to “provide for calling forth the Militia to execute the Laws of the Union, suppress Insurrections and repel Invasions.” It is the primary exception to the Posse Comitatus Act, under which federal military forces are generally barred from participating in civilian law enforcement activities.

 

The Insurrection Act, in principle, only allows the American president to use the armed forces to assist civilian authorities to enforce some law in the presence of an insurrection. But the language of the law is quite vague. Trump makes it clear that he has in mind invoking the Insurrection Act to very broad purposes, essentially to change the regime.

 

1. What does it do? Invoking the Insurrection Act would allow Trump to deploy the military (including federalized National Guard) anywhere in the US. Trump may claim it’s to protect the border, but he could deploy these forces anywhere.
2. Why April 20? On his first day in office, Trump directed the Department of Homeland Security to take 90 days to come up with a recommendation on whether he should invoke the Insurrection Act to solve the non-existent immigration crisis. 90 days after January 20 is April 20. It could come earlier, or it could never come.
3. How bad could it get? We don’t know! Maybe Trump doesn’t invoke it at all -- he didn’t in his first term. Or maybe he does, and he further militarizes the border. Or maybe he uses it to implement his promised nationwide deportation force and crack down on peaceful protest. Last week, his ICE Director described their vision of creating a deportation system “like [Amazon] Prime, but with human beings.” Maybe that’s mere bluster, or maybe that’s the plan. Nobody knows -- which means we should neither freak out prematurely nor ignore the warning signs.

So what do we do about it? The courts are unlikely to save us here -- the Insurrection Act gives fairly wide authorities to the President and the courts have historically been fairly deferential regarding those powers. This is more of a political question than a legal question: Does Trump look strong and decisive, and does his support grow by virtue of invoking the Act? As he militarizes the border and beyond, do his approval numbers increase? Does his coalition hold strong? Or is there widespread backlash, defiance, opposition, and ridicule? In the latter case, Trump may call it off and claim that was his plan all along.

: Huelga en General - General Strike (United Farm Wo...

Choosing Democracy: Huelga en General - General Strike (United Farm Wo...

U.S. Citizen child with brain cancer deported today !!!

https://www.msnbc.com/top-stories/latest/child-brain-cancer-deported-mexico-rcna196295

 

Los Angeles Resisting Trump's Deportations

 

Los Angeles is leading the way in resisting Trump’s mass deportations

Since Trump’s inauguration, Latinos and their allies in LA have organized walkouts and near daily protests against ICE and in support of the undocumented community.

Victoria Valenzuela February 25, 2025On Feb. 8, thousands marched from Boyle Heights to Downtown Los Angeles holding Mexican flags and a banner that said “Lucha Contra Trump,” or fight against Trump. (WNV/Luis Sifuentes)

On Jan. 20, during President Donald Trump’s inauguration, more than 2,000 people and 20-plus grassroots organizations gathered in Los Angeles to protest the administration’s immigration policies and promises of mass deportations. Waving flags of Latin American countries, chanting “Si Se Puede” and holding signs that denounce ICE and Trump, hundreds marched from Mariachi Plaza in Boyle Heights, California, to the federal Metropolitan Detention Center downtown where many detained by ICE are held. They joined over 60 community organizations such as Black Lives Matter LA and the Palestinian Youth Movement in protest.

Since Inauguration Day, those in Los Angeles, particularly East L.A. and Boyle Heights, have held several rallies and protests nearly every day against ICE and in support of the undocumented community.

“People want an end to the deportations,” said Gabriel Quiroz Jr., an organizer with Centro CSO who helped organize the Inauguration Day protest. “They’re seeing ICE in their neighborhoods. They’re hearing reports about ICE activity. There’s a lot of fear. But then there are a lot of people that are gonna stand up and fight back against this. They’re not gonna take this quietly.”

Quiroz said that while Central CSO and other community organizations in Boyle Heights and East LA have been leading activism efforts, there have also been a lot of spontaneous protests of people in the community showing up to gather and wave flags downtown. Quiroz has led and attended multiple protests since Trump’s inauguration, including student-led walkouts. As a community organizer, Quiroz has helped guide the youth protesting. He provided them with a megaphone and a banner that said “Lucha Contra Trump.”

Following the inauguration, there have been several walkouts of high school students from their schools in protest of the Trump administration and ICE raids, particularly in East LA and Boyle Heights, which are areas that are over 90 percent Latino.

Embed from Getty Images

“People are out there for their parents, out there for their grandparents, or they’re out there for themselves,” Quiroz said. “Even if we’re documented ourselves, our parents probably aren’t, our grandparents probably aren’t, so we know that we are not removed from that struggle. It’s important for us to be out there.”

Carlos Montes, a member of the Centro CSO, who was also a participant in the East LA walkouts in 1968 — a student-led uprising over 50 years ago in which thousands of Latinos in the area walked out of their schools to demand equal treatment — also helped organize the inauguration protest, attended several others and guided the students in their walkouts. 

Montes said he is “thrilled and exhilarated that the young generation has taken the initiative to come out and say no to deportations and the Trump attacks. I think it’s awesome that the students are continuing the traditional tactic of the walkouts that we popularized in ‘68.” 

Leilani Mercardo’s daughter, a sophomore at Garfield High School in East LA, participated in the student walkouts against ICE. Once Mercado heard about the walkouts, she joined her daughter and the two protested in Downtown Los Angeles together.

“I was actually very happy and proud of her,” Mercado said. “It brings me peace to know that she’s aware of her surroundings. She’s not going to abide by ignorance and ignore what’s going on around her, so it was kind of a bittersweet moment, definitely an opportunity for us to bond.”

Mercado said she has been to three of the protests, one on the inauguration and two that followed. She said it is important for her to participate because it helps her feel like she is being part of the change by being outside and outspoken. 

Having grown up in East LA and raising a daughter there, Mercado feels strongly for her community. She said that the protests are bittersweet because “it’s unfortunate that the rights of undocumented people and our families are being violated, but at the same time, I felt like we were doing something about it together.”

“It’s very close and dear to my heart,” Mercado said. “I come from a family of immigrants. I think that almost everybody in this community does. We’re all affected on some level, and ultimately this is against the human rights that our people deserve.”

Mercado said that she saw a lot of signs during these protests, but one that resonated with her the most was one that said “Don’t bite the hands that feed you.” She said her grandfather, uncle and cousins were farm workers, so that sign meant a lot to her. Another sign she said was memorable to her was one that read “Education, not deportation” because she has many close friends that are on Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA, which allows children brought to the U.S. to go to school and work without threat of deportation.

She said that immigrants and undocumented people are often misrepresented and dehumanized in the media, and she hopes the protests will change the perception of the false narratives that are against them.

“They’re good people,” Mercado said. “They’re good humans, and aside from them having a significant contribution in the community and family values and respect for the land, they also do contribute financially with their work, their labor and good morals.”

Quiroz said that the protests were filled with youth, families and community members in Los Angeles, many waving flags from Latin American countries and dancing to traditional Mexican songs like “La Chona,” and supporting street vendors selling candies and ice cream.

Embed from Getty Images

“You got young kids, everybody dancing to music, waving flags, using the ‘Si Se Puede’ chants, ‘Pueblo Unido’ chants,” Quiroz said. “It’s pretty cool, because these are chants their parents … and their grandparents were probably using decades ago. It is beautiful — that Latino resistance.”

At protests organized by Centro CSO, they have had community members, advocates and elected officials speak out about why it is important to fight Trump and support the undocumented community. They also had a “know your rights” workshop built into a play put on for the community, which ended in ICE agents being defeated because the community knew their rights.

Quiroz said that he has noticed an increase in police and ICE presence in the community since Trump’s inauguration. He said that he has heard reports of unmarked cars passing by residential areas and markets. Even at the protests, Quiroz said they faced a lot of police repression. At one of the protests, police showed up in riot gear, broke up the crowds with their batons and fired projectile weapons. Some people were detained at the protests, though no one was charged. As someone who is experienced with protests, Quiroz was able to help manage.

“In that situation, I think that having been organizing and being activists for a couple years now, our leadership is very needed,” Quiroz said. “So I think it was great for us to be there in that situation, because we kept people from getting arrested, getting themselves hurt, because you can’t be protesting here if you’re in jail and you’re hurt.”

Quiroz said that grassroots organizations will continue to take the lead and work alongside the community to push the protests forward. He said the protests are building on Los Angeles’ rich history of Chicano activism, which includes the East LA Walkouts for equal education and the March 2006 student walkouts in support of immigrant rights.

In mid-February, over 60 community organizations in Los Angeles formed the Community Self-Defense Coalition, which is committed to patrolling neighborhoods and spotting ICE. Quiroz said that they have been informed on how to spot ICE, verify reports of ICE activity and inform the community of their activity. He said they are also careful not to spread fear, but to spread knowledge. 

Mercado said that there have been people creating platforms for others who want to participate and want to help. She said many in the community are also continuing to promote events and donating their time, money or supplies in support of the protests to ensure a safe environment.

“If people don’t actually step foot on the ground, go outside, hold a sign and get the attention of bystanders or the media, nothing gets done,” Mercado said. “Attention is attracted by holding signs and being vocal about what it is we want, and it encourages other people to do the same. Then they come to realize that we’re all affected by this. It just unifies everyone.”

---

Victoria Valenzuela

Victoria Valenzuela is an independent journalist in California covering social justice and criminal justice issues. In the past, she has been published in The Guardian, BuzzFeed News, LAist, Bolts, and more. She is also a staffer at ScheerPost and has previously worked with the National Association of Hispanic Journalists, The Marshall Project, and was part of ProPublica's emerging reporter cohort. She is currently finishing graduate studies at the University of Southern California.

Tags: Protests, United States

California Resources for Immigrant Protection

 

https://www.cta.org/our-advocacy/immigration/daca-resources

A union doing its job., 

Trump’s Huddled Masses

Trump’s Huddled Masses: The trench warfare in sanctuary cities and states to protect innocent families from Trump’s ICE raids

Choosing Democracy: Pope decries Trump's mass deportations

Choosing Democracy: Pope decries Trump's mass deportations:   Pope decries 'major crisis' of Trump's mass deportation plans, rejects Vance's theology     https://www.ncronline.org/vati...

Mass deportations

 The Media Campaign to justify deportations and family separation.

https://www.thebulwark.com/p/maga-glosses-up-mass-deportations-migrants-ice?

LULAC Supports Immigrant Rights Demonstrations

LULAC STANDS WITH OUR COMMUNITY IN THE EXERCISE OF ITS FREEDOM OF SPEECH AND NONVIOLENT PUBLIC ACTIONS

Nation's Oldest and Largest Latino Civil Rights Organization Prepares Local Leaders on How to Hold Safe, Lawful Rallies in Support of Non-Criminal Immigrants

Washington, DC - The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) stands in solidarity with the tens of thousands of individuals who have taken to the streets across the United States in support of non-criminal immigrants falling victims to mass deportations.

"LULAC is moved by the spontaneous show of solidarity, courage, and unity across our great nation in recent days," says Roman Palomares, LULAC National President and Chairman of the Board. "Throughout our country, people young and old are joining hands, raising their voices, and standing for the millions of undocumented immigrants who are now being threatened with unfair mass deportations,” he added.

LULAC has developed a simple checklist on how to organize safe, effective public actions.

In Los Angeles, thousands of demonstrators gathered near City Hall, eventually moving to a section of the 101 Freeway, one of the nation’s busiest thoroughfares. Similarly, in Dallas, approximately 1,600 protesters convened downtown, carrying signs and flags. San Diego also witnessed significant demonstrations, with groups of protesters displaying homemade signs with pro-immigration messages throughout the city. 

Fear and Expulsion: Under Trump, History Is Poised...

Choosing Democracy: Fear and Expulsion: Under Trump, History Is Poised...:   Fear and Expulsion: Under Trump, History Is Poised to Repeat Itself On our blog.  https://www.dsanorthstar.org/blog/fear-and-expulsion-und...

: TRUMP'S EXECUTIVE ORDERS - THE RETURN OF COLD WAR ...

The Reality Check: TRUMP'S EXECUTIVE ORDERS - THE RETURN OF COLD WAR ...: TRUMP'S EXECUTIVE ORDERS - THE RETURN OF COLD WAR REPRESSION By David Bacon Jacobin, 1/29/25 https://jacobin.com/2025/01/trump-immigrati...

ICE Watch, Sacramento

 

There is a lot of fear in our community right now, but there are many concrete actions we can take to support one another and our immigrant family and friends. Since the devastating Border Patrol raids in Kern County, many folks are feeling frightened to go to school, the store, work, and especially to their immigration court appointments and ICE check-ins. While we cannot tell people what choices to make for themselves and their families, we can offer a couple things: --Accompaniment to immigration court and ICE to ensure that no one gets taken into custody without a witness and a plan. Our accompaniers go to these important appointments with people in order to ensure that we can move our legal support allies into action if needed. Folks in the greater Sacramento region can make an appointment for accompaniment by emailing norcalresist@gmail.com or texting (916)382-0256. --Our ICE Watch hotline at (916)382-0256 is also able to verify reports of ICE in our region, including our rural areas where we have trained responders. Please include the address as close as possible and photos if you are able of possible ICE activity. The team has been out on dozens of calls the past week, and has verified ICE engaged in normal enforcement operations at several locations. We have been able to shut down rumors of checkpoints and at sensitive places like schools, so that families can feel safe driving and being out in the community. Open Meeting February 2 Our next Open Meeting is February 2 at 2775 Cottage Way #15 in Sacramento, 3pm. We invite you to join us and figure out how you can best plug in right now-- you can also pick up some of our migra watch hotline cards and other materials to give to your neighbors and friends.

Sacramento Restates Sanctuary City Status

 The City of Sacramento and Sacramento Police Department (SPD) are committed to the safety and well-being of all community members. California state law (Senate Bill 54) prohibits state and local law enforcement agencies from enforcing federal civil immigration laws—this is handled exclusively by federal agencies.

In addition, the City’s sanctuary city ordinance makes it clear that no City official, employee or agent of the City, while in the course and scope of employment, shall use any City funds or resources to enforce federal civil immigration law.

“Immigrant communities are at the heart of Sacramento’s culture and commerce,” said Mayor Kevin McCarty. “We will continue to stand up for these communities and work to protect their safety and security.”

“Since 1985, Sacramento has been a self-designated sanctuary city, and I’m proud those same values are reflected today, 40 years later,” said Mayor Pro Tem Eric Guerra. “With this and state law, Sacramento police officers are prohibited from asking for immigration status or assisting in immigration enforcement. Sacramento will not turn its back on the community.”

SPD is dedicated to addressing crime, supporting victims, and building trust, regardless of immigration status. For more information on SPD’s policy regarding immigration, visit https://bit.ly/spd-immigration.

This Frequently Ask Questions (FAQ) list outlines SPD’s role in immigration enforcement:

Can I be deported by SPD during a traffic stop or call for service?

Answer: No

Defending Immigrant Workers. David Bacon

 

THE EVOLVING STRATEGY FOR DEFENDING IMMIGRANT WORKERS By David Bacon Rosa Luxemburg Stiftung, 1/21/25 https://rosalux.nyc/the-evolving-strategy-for-defending-immigrant-workers/

LULAC Joins Suit to Block Trump on Citizenship

Choosing Democracy: LULAC Joins Suit to Block Trump on Citizenship:   LULAC APPLAUDS FEDERAL COURT RULING BLOCKING PRESIDENT TRUMP'S EXECUTIVE ORDER ON BIRTHRIGHT CITIZENSHIP Nation's Oldest and Large...

The KKK Continues

 

The KKK Still Exists.

Its new names are  The Proud Boys, with Enrique Tarrio, convicted felon.

 

And, the Oath Keepers  led by Stewart Rhodes. Convicted felon. 

 

These are leaders of the U.S. versions of Brown Shirts. 

Violent terrorists in the service of the fascists movements. 

Honoring Martin Luther King Jr.

As we honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., I am reminded of the power of his vision. This vision continues to guide us in our work today. Dr. King's dream of equality, justice, and a "Beloved Community" resonates deeply with our shared mission at LULAC. His strong commitment to nonviolence as a force for change reminds us that unity, courage, and action make progress possible.

This year, we find ourselves at a historic crossroads. The path ahead is uncertain, and challenges are many for the Latino communities we serve across the United States and Puerto Rico. Yet, I want to assure you that our sense of purpose has never been stronger. We are not merely observing the changes around us; we are preparing and taking deliberate action to confront them with clarity and determination.

In the spirit of Dr. King's teachings, our strategic focus this year is embodied in the theme: "Mission Possible: Protecting Freedom, Justice, and Democracy in the Spirit of Nonviolence."This guiding principle underscores the importance of safeguarding the fundamental rights that Dr. King so passionately championed. It also serves as a call to action for each of us.

LULAC is moving forward with a multifaceted strategy to empower and protect our communities. One significant effort is our robust "Know Your Rights" campaign, developed in partnership with a coalition of like-minded organizations. This initiative provides critical knowledge to our communities about their rights when interacting with law enforcement, ICE, or Homeland Security. Empowering our families with this information enables them to navigate challenging situations safely.

Know your rights.

https://lulac.org/know_your_rights/

More. 

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1cRIJsSJwtF72ckJ8QLQu5cDCGnoeh5OIIjwqRkDKdBg/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.es6myhajhn20

Solidarity

First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a socialist.

Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a trade unionist.

Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—because I was not a Jew.

Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.

—Martin Niemöller

 

This quote is attributed to a prominent German pastor Martin Niemöller. 

After World War II, Niemöller openly spoke about his own early complicity in Nazism and his eventual change of heart. His powerful words about guilt and responsibility still resonate today.

 

 

Fight Back Rally _ Sacramento