LULAC ISSUES NATIONAL ALERT AND STANDS WITH SEIU CALIFORNIA PRESIDENT DAVID HUERTA AND TARGETED IMMIGRANTS AMID ICE CONFRONTATION IN LOS ANGELES

"Moments like this is why I joined LULAC" – Alyssa Mireles, California LULAC Deputy State Director

LOS ANGELES, CA — The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), the nation's oldest and largest Latino civil rights organization, is issuing a national alert and expressing full solidarity with David Huerta, President of SEIU California, and immigrant refugees and asylum seekers targeted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers in downtown Los Angeles. Huerta is a longtime champion of immigrant rights and working families, and Friday's incident is yet another alarming escalation in ICE's aggressive and unwarranted presence in public spaces across Greater Los Angeles.

LULAC joins voices across California and the nation in condemning these actions, which send a chilling message to immigrants and Latino leaders: not even those who stand for justice are safe from being attacked. The California LULAC leadership is calling on state and federal officials to immediately investigate the conduct of ICE officers involved in Friday's incident and to reaffirm that civil rights, constitutional protections, and human dignity are not negotiable.

California Deputy State Director Alyssa Mireles, speaking on behalf of the LULAC state leadership, shared her perspective as a next-generation Latina leader and voice for her community:

"We need to protect our people. There's a lot of fear in our communities. Through my activism with the state, I've been able to talk to youth across California, and the common sentiment is that they're scared. Scared not only for themselves but for their parents and grandparents. They're worried about what can happen to their families. As LULAC, we must show up for our community and provide support however we can."

"I am furious. As the daughter of a local union leader, seeing Latino leaders being targeted is unacceptable. We should not be attacked because we pursue a better life. This is a real issue. History has taught us that tyrants will try to silence those who oppose them. This is no longer just something we see on the news or TikTok. It's here. It's in our backyard. It's happening in places we all know — places we visit, work and live. That's what's so shocking — seeing it play out right where we are."

"Even in my home of Oxnard, families are being broken up over ICE raids… It's heartbreaking. Put yourself in their shoes — imagine the fear they must feel seeing the government take people that you love away— and it stays with you. Preventing moments like this is why I joined LULAC. As an organization, we are committed to protecting our communities, which is central to our identity. That's why organizations like LULAC and SEIU matter now more than ever."

LULAC reiterates its demand for oversight, transparency, and full accountability from ICE and its agents. We stand strong in defending immigrants, workers, and everyone seeking safety and justice in this country.

"This is not just about enforcement," said Roman Palomares, LULAC National President and Chairman of the Board. "This is about intimidation. It's about trying to silence those who defend the voiceless. We will not be silent. David Huerta stands with our people — and LULAC stands with David Huerta."

LULAC calls upon California's elected officials — including Governor Gavin Newsom, Attorney General Rob Bonta, and members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus — to investigate Friday's incident and ensure protections for advocates, immigrants, and every community member.

# # #

About LULAC
The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) is the nation's oldest and largest Latino civil rights organization. Founded in 1929, LULAC is committed to advancing the rights and opportunities of Latino Americans through advocacy, community building, and education. With a growing network of councils nationwide, LULAC remains steadfast in its mission to protect and empower millions of Latinos, contributing daily to America's prosperity. For more information about LULAC and its initiatives, please visit www.LULAC.org.