United for Change: LA Leaders Stand With Immigrant Communities
In a powerful moment of unity, leaders from every background stood together at Los Angeles City Hall to defend justice, dignity, and humanity for our immigrant brothers and sisters. We discuss it here!
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.
EMPOWER YOURSELF
Ready to make a difference in your community and beyond? Start today with the ebook Civic Empowerment: A Citizen’s Guide to Effective Participation in Government — your roadmap to getting involved, influencing policies, and using your voice to shape the future.
👉 Grab your copy here and start shaping the future of your community—and our nation.
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LA Community Resources: Support for Families, Immigrants, and Local Businesses
Access vital LA resources for families, immigrants, and small businesses! We discuss it here!
Mayor Karen Bass Provides Support For Immigrant Communities in Los Angeles
Photo Credit: lacity.gov
By: Omar Cook
The Mayor’s Office and local organizations in Los Angeles offer a variety of resources to support families, immigrant communities, and small businesses. From mental health services to food assistance and business financing programs, these opportunities aim to empower residents and strengthen community resilience.
Mayor’s Office Resources
Community Investment for Families Department (CIFD)
Navigating Immigrant Resources & Family Preparedness Plans: Flyers available in multiple languages through CIFD’s social media accounts.
Know Your Rights & Immigrants’ Rights: Access resources via CIFD’s website, Facebook, and Instagram.
City’s Contract Financing Program
Million-dollar program designed by Mayor Bass to help small businesses pursue procurement opportunities.
Immigrant businesses are encouraged to apply: Learn more and apply at procurela.com/financing.
Flyers are available (English; Spanish version coming soon). A webinar in English and Spanish will be announced soon.
Community Resources
Training and Information Resources
Public Immigrant Rights Resources: Comprehensive list of immigrant resources in English and Spanish.
CLUE Justice – Revolutionary Non-Violence Action Workshop:
Sunday, October 26, 2025, 2 PM at Holman United Methodist Church
Sunday, November 16, 2025, 2 PM at Church of the Chimes (Sherman Oaks)
Learn principles of non-violence, demonstration stance, de-escalation techniques, and civil disobedience through an interfaith lens. Sign up: cluejustice.org/revolutionary-nonviolent-activism
Thai CDC and SEACA – Malignant Compliance Training: Train-the-trainers program teaching community members how to assert rights, refuse entry, and contact Rapid Response Network. Contact Chanchanit Martorell at chancee@thaicdc.org.
Sylmar Neighborhood Council: Free storefront office space for community informational sessions or trainings. Contact Kurt Cabrera-Miller at Kurt.cabrera-miller@sylmarnc.org.
Volunteer Opportunities
Connect with LA Works for volunteers. Contact Kate Ekman: kate@laworks.com or visit laworks.com.
Mental Health Resources
Program for Torture Victims: Free emotional and mental health support for immigrants/asylum seekers. ptvla.org
Kaiser Permanente Watts Counseling & Learning Center: Free counseling regardless of insurance. Locations in Watts (323-564-7911) and Irwindale (626-814-6400). Contact Maria Aguirre: Maria.T.Aguirre@kp.org.
West Valley Food Pantry: Valley Dept. of Mental Health provides mental health support and food delivery for families unable to leave home.
Food and Economic Assistance
SALEF – Rent Relief Application: Available for Council District 11 residents affected by ICE raids. Contact Melina Cruz Bautista at (213) 480-1052 or info@salef.org.
Pico Union Project: Food distribution Thursdays at 10:30 AM until supplies last. Volunteers needed. picounionproject.org
Ketchum DTLA YMCA & Other Programs: Delivering meals to families in need; volunteers welcome. Contact (213) 624-2348.
This compilation ensures families, immigrants, and local small businesses in Los Angeles know where to access essential services, training, volunteer opportunities, and financial support.
EMPOWER YOURSELF
Ready to make a difference in your community and beyond? Start today with the ebook Civic Empowerment: A Citizen’s Guide to Effective Participation in Government — your roadmap to getting involved, influencing policies, and using your voice to shape the future.
👉 Grab your copy here and start shaping the future of your community—and our nation.
YOU MAY ALSO BE INTERESTED IN: