Thousands of immigrant workers and activists mobilized in California to demand urgent economic support in the face of the increase in immigration raids promoted under the administration of Donald Trump. The protest, held inside the state Capitol in Sacramento, included a symbolic “die-in,” where protesters lay on the floor to represent the impact that detentions and deportations are having on entire communities.

The mobilization occurs while concern grows over the tightening of federal immigration policies and the increase in operations of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Service (ICE) in different regions of the country, particularly in agricultural areas and cities with a high Latino population.

Families live between fear and uncertainty

During the protest, immigrant workers recounted how the raids have directly affected their economic and emotional stability. Félix, a farm worker from Oxnard, said that ICE's strong presence in the Central Valley has reduced his work hours and income.

"My wife and I can barely pay the rent and bills. There are weeks when I don't earn even half of what I used to earn," he said in an interview with Warehouse Workers. He also confessed that he lives in constant fear of never seeing his children again due to possible immigration detention.

He also confessed that he lives in constant fear of never seeing his children again due to possible immigration detention.

The situation has worsened in recent months, after Donald Trump publicly reiterated his intention to expand immigration raids throughout the United States. Community organizations affirm that many families have already lost a member after arrests or deportations, causing serious economic difficulties.

Concepción, a small business owner in Ontario, California, explained that fear has completely changed her family's life.

"Every day we leave the house wondering if we will be able to be together again at night. No parent should have to live in that constant fear," he declared.

They seek to create an emergency fund for immigrants

Faced with this scenario, Democratic legislators from California are promoting an emergency fund that seeks to financially support workers affected by immigration operations.

The proposal is spearheaded by state Assemblyman Robert Garcia and supported by the California Latino Legislative Caucus. The goal is to provide temporary income replacement to families who lose wages due to detentions or deportations.

“California can and must find a way to support immigrant workers who are being attacked by the Trump administration,” Garcia said.

The plan also comes at a time when the state reported tax revenues higher than projected, which, according to its promoters, would allow the program to be financed without affecting other areas of the budget.

Raids generate economic impact in California

Migrant rights advocates warn that the raids not only affect the families directly involved, but also the local economy. Many immigrants work in key sectors such as agriculture, construction, restaurants and services.

Although many workers and their employers contribute to the state unemployment system, immigration status prevents many from accessing these benefits when they lose their job or become detained.

Civil organizations assure that the fund would help avoid evictions, hunger and debt in communities hit by fear and uncertainty.

The protest in Sacramento made it clear that the immigration issue will continue to occupy an important place in the political debate in the United States, especially leading up to the next elections and the tightening of immigration control policies.