Local Latino Organization Leader Calls for Nonviolent Resistance to Immigration and Customs Enforcement

The leader of a national Latino organization based in Pasadena issued an urgent call to action Sunday during a chaotic Sunday that saw protests across Los Angeles, urging people to protect day laborers from immigration enforcement actions.

Pablo Alvarado, speaking on behalf of the National Day Laborer Organizing Network, called for nonviolent resistance as Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents targeted workers at locations including Home Depot stores.

“We need you. We need your help. Today. Now,” Alvarado said. “If you are a person of conscience and you care for your community, the most vulnerable, please go to the streets, to Home Depot, outside the courts and to the places of work where our people are, you need to protect day laborers today.”

The National Day Laborer Organizing Network, headquartered on Arroyo Parkway in Pasadena, advocates for day laborers, migrants and low-wage workers nationwide. Founded in 2001, the organization has grown from 12 community-based organizations to more than 65 member organizations across the country.

Alvarado urged citizens not at risk of deportation to go to work sites while stressing that demonstrations should be and urging them to documentat enforcement actions.

“Please go in peace. Do not bring violence. Do not cause violence. There are provocateurs who want to justify violence and brutality. Do not be one of them. We are calling you to nonviolent resistance,” Alvarado said.

He warned those at risk of deportation to stay home and called on witnesses to document events and gather contact information for detained workers.

“We need to reach out to relatives of those who have been seized. These are our people they are taking, and we do this work out of love for them, for their worth.”

“Bring your courage and anger, but please leave your hatred at home. We are acting out of love. This is not the time to promote ideologies.”

“We are a community under siege,” Alvarado said. “The courts have failed us. The politicians have failed us. The media have failed us. It appears that everyone has abandoned immigrants.”

He said street action had become necessary. “All we have now is the streets. Taking to the streets to oppose fascism, hatred and violence.”

Despite emphasizing peaceful protest, Alvarado vowed persistence: “We will not be silent. We will not be deterred. We will not back down. We will not stop. We will continue this struggle until we win.”

The statement urged supporters to contact federal representatives, demanding they “say to Immigration and Customs Enforcement and this administration — we will not tolerate this injustice.”

The organization operates the Pasadena Community Job Center at 500 N. Lake Ave. and recently launched a statewide census initiative in California to assess day laborer needs.

Alvarado concluded: “Let this movement be rooted in love. Let it be driven by compassion. Let it be carried by the power of people who refuse to abandon one another.”