Friends and allies,
We are under assault.
On Friday, ICE agents initiated a series of military-style anti-immigrant raids in multiple locations across Los Angeles. These attacks are ongoing in Los Angeles and in communities across the country. Heavily armed, masked agents are targeting areas known for their large immigrant populations and labor-intensive industries, as well as immigration courts and schools. They are seizing people off the streets, separating families, detaining and disappearing people of all ages without due process. ICE agents have denied entry to detention centers to Congressional representatives who sought to confirm and address reports of lack of food, water or sunlight for those being held[1]. On Friday, ICE arrested, injured and detained labor leader David Heurta[2] for bearing witness and advocating for immigrant workers. While Huerta was released, he still faces up to six years in prison.
The protests that have ignited in response to these raids have been met with overt hostility. Federal agents have fired thousands of rubber bullets, pepper balls, and tear gas grenades at overwhelmingly peaceful protesters, bystanders and observers. The Trump Administration has federalized California’s National Guard over the objections of state and local officials and deployed them to stop demonstrators. And as of late Monday, 700 active-duty U.S. Marines were also deployed.[3]
This alarming misuse of power is creating instability and seeks to sow division and fear in our communities. Weaponizing the military to suppress Constitutional rights and stifle dissent is brazenly illegal and unconstitutional. This is a real threat to our democracy, and DREDF refuses to be silent.
Migration has always been a disability justice issue. Attacks on immigrant communities disproportionately harm Black, Brown, Indigenous, LGBTQI+ and disabled people. People with unique experiences and complex needs due to intersecting identities and systemic barriers. People who, without advocacy and intervention, face compounded oppression and trauma, and higher risks of discrimination and abuse while in ICE custody. We must prioritize this work.
DREDF is steadfast in our support of immigrant communities and the right to assemble and protest. We oppose policies that discriminate, dehumanize, and deny basic human rights to immigrants, including access to healthcare, and will use our resources to resist authoritarian nationalism. We join with the residents of Los Angeles, immigrant and labor advocates, and all those around the country, who are calling for an end to ICE raids, detentions and abductions. We will continue to advocate for the safety and well-being of all people in our communities.
In solidarity and with support,
Michelle Uzeta
Interim Executive Director
Disability Rights Education & Defense Fund
[1] https://gomez.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4461
[2] https://seiu503.org/member_news/statement-condemning-the-detention-of-seiu-california-president-david-huerta/
[3] https://www.reuters.com/world/us/marines-arrive-la-under-trump-orders-protests-spread-other-cities-2025-06-10/