How We Can Stand With Los Angeles
What we see—or don’t see—in Los Angeles powerfully impacts public perception. Behind the news broadcasts showing people rising against the military and law enforcement is a story of community solidarity and people standing up for the values that define multiracial communities like Los Angeles. Los Angeles, at its best, is a welcoming city where the economic, cultural, and social contributions of newcomers and longstanding immigrant neighbors are celebrated.
As supporters of immigrant justice, it’s important we see and communicate with clarity the intention behind the narrative battle over what is happening in L.A. The current administration’s decision to escalate tensions by deploying not just heavily militarized federal police forces, but also the military, endangers our families, our freedoms, and our futures. And the images they intentionally generate fuel lies spread about immigrants, directly impacting public opinion and creating confusion.
These powerful demonstrations of solidarity in Los Angeles are inspiring Americans nationwide to speak out for immigrants and their families. Even if you’re not on the ground in L.A., you can still make a difference by helping to tell the true story of what’s happening there and pushing back against harmful narratives designed to divide us. Use these tips when talking with friends and family or when deciding what to share online.
1. Don’t Repeat or Share Harmful Messages and Images
These protests were born out of a deep love and compassion for our immigrant neighbors. The people of Los Angeles are doing what they can to protect their communities. When we hear lies or misleading information about our communities, our first instinct is often to correct them. But when we repeat false claims—even to debunk them—we inadvertently spread those harmful messages to new audiences. Instead of spending our energy correcting misinformation, let’s focus on sharing the truth from the start
2. Remind People: Public Protest is Our Right
Protest is not only our right, it’s our civic duty, protected by the First Amendment. People who paint legitimate protests as something dangerous or destructive do so with purpose—to delegitimize and distract from the message. Don’t let their narrative stick. Instead, remind people of “why” people gathered to express support for immigrant justice and family unity.
3. Call The Administration’s Response Political Theater
The decision to deploy the military and heavily armed police forces against peaceful protesters is intentional political theater—designed both to intimidate others from speaking out and to justify actions that violate people’s rights. We must remember that sending in law enforcement or the National Guard to protests usually escalates the situation. The violent or destructive images we see in the media are often captured after police forces have been deployed. When we name these tactics for what they are, we help others see through the propaganda.
4. Lead with Shared Values
When talking about immigrant justice, focus on values we all share:
Solidarity – We stand up for our immigrant neighbors because we believe in the humane and just treatment of all people in our country, regardless of where they come from or what they look like.
Belonging – Everyone deserves a meaningful say in decisions that impact them and the chance to shape the communities where they live.
Prosperity – Beyond meeting basic needs, everyone should be able to pursue their hopes and dreams for themselves or their families.
5. Remember: Real Families are Impacted by Immigration Enforcement
Behind the public actions we see online are stories of real people threatened by detention, deportation, and family separation. Everyday people are speaking out, organizing, and mobilizing so that parents can pick up their children from school or hardworking sons and fathers can seek day-labor without fear. Don’t let anyone warp the truth about how communities come together to protect each other when neighbors are proudly declaring: “not in our community.”
Use “people first” language and avoid dehumanizing labels. When we focus on the real people affected, it becomes much harder to ignore the cruelty of current policies and easier to see the strength of our communities.
6. Show that Action Creates Change
Public pressure works. For example, in the background of community organizing to protest immigration enforcement in the L.A. area, the city of Glendale ended its agreement with the federal government to house people detained by immigration agencies. This shows that collective action can create real, immediate change at the state and local level, even when federal policies seem impossible to influence.
Make clear demands such as the following: Stop the raids. Uphold due process and access to legal counsel. Stop the racial profiling of warrantless arrests. Release those who are unlawfully detained. Respect the right to protest.
For more ways you can support immigrant justice, check out resources from organizations like @goodgoodgoodco and get involved in your own community.
