United for Change: LA Leaders Stand With Immigrant Communities

Mayor Karen Bass Stands With Los Angeles Community Leaders in Unity of Immigrant Rights

Photo Credit: Mayor Karen Bass's Substack

By: Omar Cook

This week, I had the honor of standing alongside Mayor Karen Bass, Congressman Robert Garcia, and a diverse group of community leaders, faith-based organizations, and immigrant rights advocates at Los Angeles City Hall. We gathered to address one of the most alarming violations of civil rights our city has witnessed in recent years — the brutal ICE raids that have left more than 170 people, including American citizens, detained, beaten, and denied legal counsel.

Being in that room — surrounded by people of every background and culture — was both enlightening and deeply empowering. I saw firsthand what true unity looks like: leaders, activists, and everyday citizens standing shoulder to shoulder, raising their voices for justice and humanity. For me, it was my first time attending a press conference of this magnitude, and I knew immediately that I was in the right place — standing with people who refuse to stay silent in the face of injustice.

As an African American, I was reminded that our fight for civil rights has always been about more than one community — it’s about protecting the humanity of all people. History has shown us that if one group is targeted and we turn a blind eye, it’s only a matter of time before others are next. What’s happening to our Latino and immigrant brothers and sisters today is inhumane and unacceptable. No human being deserves to be attacked or denied their rights by the very authorities sworn to protect them.

At the press conference, I listened to painful stories of those impacted by the raids and how people were never given the chance to identify themselves before being detained. These are not just statistics. These are families, workers, and neighbors — people who contribute to the fabric of our city every single day.

Omar Cook Stands in Unity With LA Leaders for Immigration Rights

Mayor Karen Bass addressed the press with strength, grace, and conviction, making it clear that this is not simply an immigration issue — this is an American issue. “When citizens and legal residents can be detained without warrants, denied due process, and treated with violence by their own government, every one of us should be outraged,” she said. “Because if they can come for one of us, they can come for all of us.”

She announced that Congressman Garcia, in his role on the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, will launch an immediate congressional investigation into the unconstitutional actions of ICE. Both the House and Senate are now committed to working together to ensure accountability, transparency, and justice for every person impacted by these raids.

Mayor Bass made three key points and reaffirmed what Los Angeles stands for — unity, equality, and the defense of human rights:
- We will defend the rights of every Angeleno — citizen or immigrant.
- We will fight unlawful and abusive behavior by federal authorities.
- We will never normalize raids that strip people of their humanity.

As I stood there listening, one thought kept echoing in my mind: we don’t need a title to do our part to help others. Every one of us can show compassion, speak up, and stand together for justice. Love and unity must become our new normal — not division, not silence.

This moment was more than a press conference. It was a call to action. A reminder that we are stronger when we stand together — as Angelenos, as Americans, and most importantly, as human beings.

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