CICW Statement in Support of Immigrant Communities Impacted by LA Wildfires
January 13, 2025 – The Center on Immigration and Child Welfare Initiative stands in solidarity with those affected by the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles, CA, sharing in the collective grief of the individuals and families whose lives have been profoundly impacted. It has been deeply painful to witness the immense trauma Angelenos are enduring as they face evacuations, the loss of homes and livelihoods, and the uncertainty that follows such destruction.
We wish to especially recognize the unique challenges faced by immigrant communities during this crisis. Mixed-status families, children of immigrants, undocumented workers, day laborers, and their communities are navigating compounding vulnerabilities, including housing insecurity, precarious employment, and the fear of seeking emergency services. Many mixed-status families in California may be hesitant to seek assistance due to fears about immigration enforcement. These struggles mirror the challenges and resilience these communities displayed during the COVID-19 pandemic, where immigrants often stood as first responders and frontline workers. Once again, they are demonstrating incredible strength by helping to clean up neighborhoods, rebuild homes, and care for others.
Amid this turmoil, an immigration raid occurred on Wednesday, January 8th in Bakersfield, CA, compounding the distress already felt by these communities. Customs and Border Protection agents conducted a large-scale raid in unmarked SUVs, detaining individuals outside locations such as a Home Depot and a gas station frequented by field workers. This raid—reportedly the first of its scale in California since the election of Donald Trump—took place just one day after Congress certified the presidential election on January 6. The fear and confusion caused by these actions, for both immigrant families and the local businesses that rely on their labor, serve as a stark warning of the potential consequences of policies prioritizing mass deportations.
There are meaningful ways we can support those affected. Below are links to several organizations offering direct assistance to immigrants and their families in Southern California:
- The Pasadena Community Job Center is serving as an Emergency Center for the day laborer community, providing temporary shelter, food, water, and emergency kits.
- The Mutual Aid LA Network (MALAN) has created a public Google spreadsheet with information about food, shelters, animal centers, sources of PPE, as well as volunteer opportunities and places to donate. You can also donate directly to help the group distribute resources on the ground.
- Al Otro Lado is collecting essential supplies for displaced people and migrant workers impacted by the fires.
- National Day Laborer Organization Network (NDLON) is supporting the day labor community with temporary shelter, food, water, and emergency kits at the Pasadena Community Job Center. NDLON-affiliated day laborers have started to clean up debris and offer residents support in finding safety. NDLON is accepting donations through their “Support Immigrant Workers Impacted by the Los Angeles Fires” campaign.
- Comunidades Indigenas en Liderazgo (CIELO) and the Instituto de Educación Popular del Sur de Los Angeles (IDEPSCA) work to support essential workers, like day laborers, housekeepers, domestic workers, nannies, and others, and will certainly be a resource hub for many now facing housing and employment uncertainty because of the wildfires.
- CIELO is an Indigenous women-led non-profit organization that provides services to Indigenous immigrant families. Their donation form can be found here: https://mycielo.org
- World Central Kitchen is also active in the region. The team is collaborating with local restaurants and food service providers to help get meals for emergency fire responders and anyone affected by the wildfires. Donate to help here.
- The Salvation Army is also accepting donations online to help provide emergency aid, shelter, food, and other support for first responders and wildfire victims across Southern California.
- Brewjeria Wildfire Relief Donation Drive – Pico Rivera, CA
- Eastside Cafe Space & Donation Drop Off – El Sereno, Los Angeles, CA
