Impact
In The Community
In his first days as President, Donald Trump’s administration has already implemented significant changes to U.S. immigration policies, with heightened enforcement activities creating uncertainty for immigrant communities across the nation. The administration has indicated plans for increased immigration raids and a tougher stance on undocumented immigrants, focusing on sanctuary cities and areas historically protected from enforcement actions.
Trump’s Policy Changes and Enforcement Priorities
Since taking office on January 20, 2025, President Trump has signed several executive orders aimed at intensifying immigration enforcement. Key changes include rescinding policies that restricted Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations near sensitive locations such as schools, hospitals, and houses of worship. ICE agents now have greater freedom to conduct enforcement actions in these areas.
Additionally, Trump has issued an executive order attempting to end birthright citizenship for children born to non-citizens and non-permanent residents in the United States, effective February 19, 2025 (though legal experts have said that the President does not have the authority to amend the constitution by executive order). Expedited removal procedures, previously limited to those apprehended within 100 miles of U.S. borders, have been expanded nationwide. This order expands fast-track deportations nationwide and applies to immigrants who can't prove two years of continuous U.S. residence, allowing ICE to deport more people without hearings.
The administration has also reinstated the "Remain in Mexico" policy, requiring asylum seekers to wait in Mexico while their cases are processed in the United States. This policy has drawn criticism from immigrant rights advocates and created logistical challenges for migrants seeking safety.
Although large-scale raids have not yet occurred, officials have indicated plans to target major metropolitan areas, including Los Angeles, Chicago, New York, Denver, and Washington, D.C. These operations are expected to include workplace raids and targeted enforcement actions in sanctuary jurisdictions.
Some small-scale raids have already taken place. From January 9 to January 11, 2025, Border Patrol agents conducted a series of raids in Kern County, California, near Bakersfield. This operation, dubbed "Operation Return to Sender," resulted in 78 arrests of undocumented individuals, some with prior criminal records. The United Farm Workers union estimates the actual number of arrests may be closer to 200.
ICE teams have also been conducting routine enforcement operations across the country, arresting individuals deemed threats to public safety and national security. Under the new administration's policies, ICE agents now have greater discretion in their actions, including the ability to make "collateral arrests" of undocumented individuals encountered during operations who may not have been the primary targets.
The new policies have significantly heightened fear and uncertainty among immigrant communities. Families are questioning whether it’s safe to send children to school, seek medical care, or access other essential services. The prospect of increased enforcement actions has prompted many immigrants to avoid public spaces, limit their travel, and take precautions to minimize interactions with authorities.
What to Do if Approached by Immigration Officials
Immigrants, regardless of status, have certain constitutional rights that they can exercise when interacting with law enforcement, including ICE agents. Legal experts have circulated guidance:
- Remain Calm and Silent
Immigrants have the right to remain silent and should avoid answering questions about their immigration status. Running or resisting could escalate the situation.
- Refuse Searches Without a Warrant
Immigration officials cannot enter homes or search personal property without a valid judicial warrant. Immigrants should request to see the warrant before complying.
- Avoid Signing Documents
Do not sign any paperwork without consulting a lawyer. Documents may waive important rights or lead to expedited deportation.
- Ask to Speak to an Attorney
Immigrants have the right to legal representation, even if they cannot afford an attorney. They should explicitly request a lawyer during interactions with authorities.
- Document the Encounter
If possible, take note of badge numbers, names, and details of the interaction.
If ICE agents arrive at a home, residents aren’t required to open the door unless agents present a valid warrant. It’s advisable to ask officials to slide the warrant under the door to verify its legitimacy. If agents enter without permission, residents should state clearly that they don’t consent to the search.
Immigrants working in the United States, including undocumented workers, have rights that protect them from discrimination and exploitation. They’re entitled to minimum wage, overtime pay, and workplace safety protections. During workplace raids, employees should avoid signing documents or providing statements without legal counsel.
Several organizations provide resources and assistance to immigrants navigating these challenges. These include the National Immigration Law Center, the American Civil Liberties Union, and local immigrant rights groups. Many organizations distribute "Know Your Rights" cards that immigrants can carry to help assert their rights during encounters with law enforcement.
How to Prepare for Potential Raids
To prepare for potential enforcement actions, immigration advocates encourage the development of a family preparedness plan, which includes:
- Memorizing important phone numbers. Including those of trusted family or friends, and immigration lawyers or legal aid organizations.
- Keeping essential documents, such as birth certificates, passports, visas, financial documents, and medical records, in a secure and accessible location. It’s also recommended to create copies and store them with a trusted person or digitally.
- Designating a trusted individual to care for children in case of detention.
For those with children, they recommend:
- Designate a trusted individual with legal status who can care for your children in case of detention.
- Establish a power of attorney that authorizes the caregiver to make decisions on your behalf.
- Prepare an emergency contact card for your children with names, addresses, and phone numbers of trusted adults.
While legal experts and advocates circulate guidance, it’s not legal advice and a qualified attorney should always be consulted in each individual’s circumstance.
The Trump administration’s recent policy changes have created a complex and uncertain environment for immigrants in the United States. Immigrants and undocumented people can protect themselves by understanding their rights, staying informed through trusted sources, and seeking legal assistance when needed.
These leading organizations are reliable places to start when seeking information and legal resources:
- American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA)
- Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC)
- National Immigration Law Center (NILC)
- United We Dream
- National Immigrant Justice Center (NIJC)
- Immigrant Defense Project
- National Immigration Forum
- Immigration Advocates Network (IAN)
- U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI)
- Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund (MALDEF)
- The Hispanic Federation
- League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC)
- Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA)
- American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)
- “No Sabo” is a Slur, Fight Me On It ›
- Unpacking the Birthright Debate: Is Citizenship by Birth Under Threat? ›
Last updated: January 16, 9:40 a.m. PT.
Multiple wildfires are currently tearing through Los Angeles County, forcing hundreds of thousands to flee. The fires have now claimed 24 lives. While the Palisades fire captured widespread media attention due to its location in the affluent Pacific Palisades neighborhood, at the time of this reporting, the Eaton Fire quickly grew to the same devastating size as the Palisades and took entire neighborhoods with it. The Eaton fire is still currently impacting areas with a significant Latino population, such as Altadena, where 27.2% of the population is Latino according to the latest census.
The Situation is still Critical
The Palisades Fire, which began in the early morning of January 7 has consumed close to 24,000 acres as of January 16 and remains at 22% containment. This fire has led to the evacuation of more than 30,000 residents, including high-profile celebrities and Hollywood executives. An estimated 5,000 structures including homes and businesses have been destroyed, with over 12,250 additional properties at risk.
The Eaton Fire, burning in the Eaton Canyon area located to the east of downtown Los Angeles, has escalated to over 14,000 acres. The fire has forced evacuations of over 153,000 people, destroyed structures, and claimed the lives of eight people, injuring at least 5 others, though the exact number continues to be unclear at this time.
Firefighters are still working to slow the spread of the Eaton Fire and protect critical infrastructure under extreme conditions including another red flag warning issued the morning of January 12. While winds have eased as of January 16, officials warn that the counties aren't "out of the woods yet," as reported by CNN.
The Eaton fire is now at 55% containment as of the latest reports. Authorities have also issued mandatory evacuation orders for zones in the affected areas, including parts of Altadena, Pasadena, La Cañada Flintridge, and Sierra Madre. Meanwhile, the smaller Hurst fire is 98% contained and the Lidia and Sunset fires were extinguished.
The fires were initially fueled by extreme Santa Ana winds, with gusts reaching up to 99 mph in some areas. These extreme conditions, added to an already drought-ridden landscape, created a dangerous and unpredictable environment, complicating evacuation efforts and firefighting strategies across the board. The fires have collectively cost 24 lives in total, according to the latest CAL Fire reports, destroyed over 12,300 structures, and there are at least 31 missing person reports connected to the fires.
Residents are urged to continue to stay vigilant and track the ongoing incidents here, following all evacuation orders, and staying informed to ensure their safety.
Critical Resources for Residents
Residents can track fire activity, evacuation zones, and updates through CAL FIRE’s Incident Information Page and Alert LA County. CAL FIRE provides real-time updates, and you can register on Alert LA County to receive emergency notifications. The language on the Alert LA County website can be switched to Spanish by clicking the orange “Language” button and selecting Spanish from the dropdown menu.
Shelter and Housing Resources
Emergency shelters are also available for residents displaced by the fires. Locations include:
- Westwood Recreation Center (1350 S. Sepulveda, Los Angeles, 90025), where domestic family pets are welcome if kept in carriers or crates.
- El Camino Real Charter High School (5440 Valley Circle Blvd, Woodland Hills, CA 91367).
- Ritchie Valens Recreation Center (10736 Laurel Canyon Blvd, Pacoima, CA 91331) for residents impacted by the Hurst Fire.
- Pasadena Convention Center (300 E. Green St, Pasadena CA 91101).
- Pan Pacific Recreation Center (7600 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036).
- Pomona Fairplex (1101 W McKinley Ave. Pomona).
- Hollywood High School (1521 Highland Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90028).
- Re/Creation Cafe (4500 Washington Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90016).
- Tapestry Church (1521 S Hill St, Los Angeles, CA 90015).
- All LA locations of Planet Fitness are offering shelter to evacuees.
- White Memorial Church (401 N State St Los Angeles, CA, 90033).
- St Sarkis Armenian Church (58 S Sierra Madre Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91107).
- Pasadena All Saints Church (132 N Euclid Avenue, Pasadena, CA 91101).
- First Baptist Church (75 N Marengo Ave, Pasadena, CA 91101).
- Reality Center (1428 2nd St #400, Santa Monica, CA 90401).
Local Assistance & Disaster Resource Centers are open to the public on January 14 from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. Starting January 15, they will be open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Visit LA County Recovers for more information, available in English and Spanish.
For residents with animals, the following shelters are available:
- Los Angeles Equestrian Center (480 W Riverside Dr, Burbank, CA 91506).
- Pierce College Equestrian Center (7100 El Rancho Drive, Woodland Hills).
- Agoura Animal Care Center (29525 Agoura Rd, Agoura Hills, CA 91301).
- LA Dream Center Emergency Shelter (2301 Bellevue Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90026).
- Studio DDLA (944 Chung King Rd).
- Pasadena Convention Center (300 E. Green Street, Pasadena, CA 91101) for pets on leash and in carriers.
There are also animal shelters providing housing and care for small and large evacuated animals:
For small animals:
- Agoura Animal Care Center (29525 Agoura Rd, Agoura Hills).
- Baldwin Park Animal Care Center (4275 Elton St, Baldwin Park).
- Carson Animal Care Center (216 W Victoria St, Gardena).
- Castaic Animal Care Center (31044 Charlie Canyon, Castaic).
- Downey Animal Care Center (11258 Garfield Ave, Downey).
- Lancaster Animal Care Center (5210 W Ave I, Lancaster).
- Palmdale Animal Care Center (38550 Sierra Hwy, Palmdale).
For large animals:
- Pomona Fairplex (1101 W McKinley Ave, Pomona).
- Industry Hills Expo (16200 Temple Ave, City of Industry).
- LA Equestrian (480 Riverside Dr, Burbank) (At capacity as of January 12).
- Hansen Dam Horse Park (11127 Orcas Ave, Hansen Dam, CA 91342).
- Castaic Animal Care Center (31044 Charlie Canyon, Castaic).
- Pico Rivera Sports Arena (11003 Sports Arena Dr, Pico Rivera, CA 90601, USA).
Mutual Aid and Shared Resources
FEMA assistance is available for LA County residents who have been impacted by the fires. Government agency LA County Recovers provides all the information in one place, including instructions in English and Spanish on how to apply for FEMA assistance. This application process is the same for those impacted by the Eaton and Palisades fires. LA County Recovers also provides a complete list of contact information for all LA County departments. Users also can sign up to receive daily updates about essential emergency information and recovery resources.
As of January 13, a significant number of GoFundMe pages have been created in response to the ongoing crisis, including GoFundMe's own fundraiser Wildfire Relief Fund 2025. This has been a helpful resource for Latine families and others displaced by the fires to obtain support. For those who intend to apply for FEMA assistance and want to create GoFundMe campaigns as well, it's recommended to follow certain guidelines to avoid conflicts with FEMA assistance. Such as:
- Using broad language to frame the campaign instead of specifying expenses like medical bills, home repairs, or cleanup.
- Focusing on general recovery and supplemental needs.
These recommendations are meant to raise general awareness, not to replace legal advice. To understand more about FEMA assistance, read their fact sheet.
Additional emergency resources and support guides are available in this document, which is constantly being updated with the help of the community to keep it relevant and helpful.
Transportation, Food, Supplies, and More
In partnership with 211 LA, Airbnb is providing free, temporary housing to displaced people, who can request assistance and access by contacting 211 LA. For transportation, Uber is offering a $40 credit that is only valid for trips to active shelters. Use the code WILDFIRE25. Lyft also announced they're offering $25 vouchers, valid for two trips and available to 500 people until January 15. Use the code CAFIRERELIEF25.
The Los Angeles Regional Food Bank is feeding people displaced by the fires. You can find a pantry near you by entering your zip code here. The page is also available in Spanish, simply click the "Ver en Español" button at the bottom. World Central Kitchen also provides meals in affected areas.
For those seeking mental health services and support, call or text the 988 lifeline. For assistance in Spanish, dial 2 when you call 988 or text the word "AYUDA" to 988. The Los Angeles County ACCESS Center is also offering mental health services and referrals, call (1-800-854-7771) to get in touch.
California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara shared this information via social media regarding insurance:
Residents under mandatory evacuation because of wildfire could be eligible for evacuation-related expense reimbursements under their current insurance policy.
Additional Living Expenses coverage typically includes food and housing costs, furniture rental, relocation and storage, and extra transportation expenses, among other costs.
Tips for evacuees:
📄Obtain a complete copy of your insurance policy
💵Take note of your additional living expense limit
📥Track all your additional expenses
📝Document all conversations with your insurer/adjuster AND
🚫Don’t rush into any decisions, if you have any doubts CALL US! ☎️ 1 (800) 927-4357
The California Department of Insurance also announced a one-year moratorium on the cancellation of insurance policies. More information can be found at insurance.ca.gov.
Business owners who have been impacted by the wildfires can access essential resources to rebuild here, compiled by legalmiga law, P.C.
Emergency Preparation
Residents in fire-prone areas are urged to assemble a go-bag with essential items in case of sudden evacuation, including:
- Personal Items: Identification, insurance documents, and cash.
- Clothing: Sturdy shoes, a change of clothes, and weather-appropriate layers.
- Health Supplies: Prescription medications, first-aid kit, and hygiene products.
- Food and Water: Non-perishable snacks and enough water for at least three days.
- Electronics: Phone chargers, a flashlight, and spare batteries.
- Pet Needs: Food, water, and carriers for animals.
Here’s a complete go-bag checklist in English and Spanish.
The Listos California organization offers helpful resources in English and Spanish for wildfire preparation. Including tips like:
- Have backup plans for electrical medical devices and refrigerated medicines.
- Get a map and plan three different exit routes from home and work.
- Discuss and create an evacuation plan with family members, including choosing a safe meeting place.
Authorities urge all residents in evacuation zones to leave immediately and follow these safety measures:
- Call 911 if you or someone you know requires urgent assistance.
- Check on neighbors, especially the elderly or those with mobility challenges, but only if it is safe to do so.
- Monitor local news outlets and official social media channels for updates.
- For additional updates, follow LA County Emergency Services.
- Subscribe to outage alerts and report downed power lines: LA Dept of Water and Power or with Southern California Edison.
It's also important to stay aware of the air quality around you, whether you're in an evacuation zone or not, and take precautions to avoid coughing, wheezing, difficulty breathing, asthma attacks, and other respiratory problems, as well as cardiovascular problems, eye and throat irritation, headaches, and fatigue.
Some precautions include staying indoors (if there are no evacuation orders in your area) with windows closed, using air purifiers, and avoiding going outdoors. If going outdoors is unavoidable, residents are urged to wear N95 respirators. For updated air quality reports, refer to this map to check your area.
How to Help
There are many ways to help the relief efforts. Supporting organizations that provide food, like the LA Food Bank and World Central Kitchen, shelter, and resources for evacuees can make a significant difference.
Check mutual aid lists for efforts that match what you can give.
Community volunteers put together a list of donation links for Latino families seeking direct financial support. The list can be found by clicking on this link. To be added or removed from this list, email latinefamileslawildfires@gmail.com. Include the link, name, and description of the person or family needing support.
The We All Grow community is hosting a donation drive and coordinating on-the-ground efforts. Their inquiry form can be found by clicking on this link.
In this document, the Latinx Therapist Network has compiled a list of GoFundMe links from Latino survivors of the LA fires to highlight the Latine community and their need for support during this crisis.
Reporting issues like price gouging is also a good way to help the community during this crisis. It's illegal to increase prices for goods, services, or commodities during a state of emergency under California law. The Department of Consumer and Business Affairs (DCBA) encourages residents to document suspected price gouging by saving receipts and other records. Incidents can be reported via the DCBA website or by calling (800) 593-8222.
Protect Yourself from Fraud
You must ensure the legitimacy of all donation links. Do not donate to, share personal information, or click on unknown or suspicious links. In the digital age, posts spread quickly and the nature of the crisis inspires generosity. Fraudsters know this and prey on community generosity.
A real video of Mexican firefighters in the U.S. from 2020 went viral after influencers shared the video inaccurately stating the video was from the Los Angeles fires. An account then began sharing a Cash App account to try to capitalize on the viral post. This is only one example of the ways unscrupulous people will try to defraud others during a crisis.
California Insurance Commissioner Lara put the California Department of Insurance on alert for potential fraud and illegal actions targeting survivors.
This is a developing story. Updates are added on an ongoing basis.
Advocates Rally to Protect Brooklyn Migrant Families from Trump’s Immigration Agenda
Image of the Floyd Bennett Field shelter, featuring the large tents where residents live.
Editor’s Note: This article was updated on December 10, 2024, to include new information about the closure of the Floyd Bennett Field shelter, announced shortly after the original publication.
In a significant move to protect vulnerable migrant families, New York City officials announced the closure of the Floyd Bennett Field shelter in Brooklyn, which houses approximately 2,000 asylum-seeking families. This decision, driven by concerns about potential federal enforcement under the incoming Trump administration, signals a response to advocates' urgent calls for action.
A Highly Vulnerable Shelter
Established in late 2023 in response to an overwhelming influx of migrants arriving at the southern border, Floyd Bennett Field (FBF)was meant to be a temporary solution. Located within the Gateway National Recreation Area, it’s unique among other New York City emergency shelters for its location on a former naval air station on federal property, managed by the National Park Service.
The site currently houses families in large tents. Residents come from a variety of backgrounds, including Venezuela, Ecuador, Haiti, Guinea, and China, most of them fleeing economic and political turmoil. The conditions, however, have been widely criticized. Families share communal bathrooms and showers, while the tents, subdivided into individual spaces, offer limited protection against the elements. Additionally, the area is secluded, miles away from services like schools, and it’s prone to flooding, storms, and winds.
New Developments: Timeline for Closure and Relocation
City officials have laid out a timeline for the shelter’s closure. Families will be moved out by January 15, just before the new administration takes office. The broader plan includes shutting down 25 shelters across the city by March, including hotels and other temporary facilities, as the number of new migrant arrivals has steadily declined over the past five months.
Mayor Eric Adams stated, “We’re going to continue looking for more sites to consolidate and close, and more opportunities to save taxpayer money, as we continue to successfully manage this response,” as reported by The New York Times. The closure of the shelter marks a turning point in New York City’s handling of the migrant crisis. For the asylum-seeking families that have been living there, this decision offers both relief and uncertainty. While relocation promises improved conditions, the lack of affordable housing and comprehensive support remains a hurdle.
Advocacy Efforts Leading Up to Positive Change
Concerns about the fate of the Floyd Bennett Field shelter reached a tipping point as advocacy groups warned of the risks associated with its location on federal land. Advocates, including Venezuelan-American Susie Jaramillo, a Brooklyn resident and a founding member of Floyd Bennett Field Neighbors (FBFN), played a pivotal role in pressuring city officials to act. FBFN has been at the forefront of efforts to protect the nearly 2,000 asylum-seeking families housed at the shelter, highlighting the urgent need for relocation to safer accommodations.
Luz Media reached out to FBFN via email and connected with Jaramillo to discuss the efforts they make for these asylum-seeking families. “Mayor Adams must urgently close Floyd Bennett Field, a federal land shelter housing 2,000 asylum-seeking families in NYC, before January 20 to protect vulnerable residents from potential federal raids and relocate them to safer accommodations, upholding the city's legacy as a refuge or risk devastating trauma on hundreds of families, betraying our roots as a sanctuary city and detonating a powder keg of conflicts in NYC,” she stated.
This call to action from FBFN and other advocacy groups resonated with community leaders and city officials, contributing to the decision to close the shelter.
How the Community Took Action
Leading up to the decision to close the FBF shelter, community organizations stepped up to address the critical needs of families living there, effectively creating a lifeline for residents in a precarious situation. FBFN is one such group providing on-the-ground support. This mutual aid group mobilizes an extensive network of volunteers and resources to address immediate needs and improve living conditions for the nearly 2,000 residents at the shelter.
Since November 2023, FBFN has provided essential supplies to over 700 families. These include warm winter clothing, shoes, strollers, backpacks, toys, and other necessities through donations and their continually updated Target and Amazon wish lists. FBFN has also played a pivotal role in fostering communication within the shelter. The group has established the largest internal communication network at the facility, enabling residents to share vital information and connect with one another.
FBFN's efforts are not limited to direct aid. They also collaborate with the Mayor's Office, NYC Health & Hospitals—the agency overseeing the shelter—and other local NGOs and mutual aid groups as well to help families access essential services and support. Equally as important, they’re pushing for systemic change along with other groups by urging Mayor Eric Adams to relocate families to safer, more permanent shelters across the city.
“The number of arriving asylum seekers has also been dropping for months, and there is more capacity to move Floyd Bennett families into other shelters and hotels. Most of the families at FBF have applied for asylum, and many parents have received their work permits. They are eager to find apartments or rooms to rent and to leave the shelter system,” Jaramillo shared with Luz Media. By facilitating their relocation, the city can not only provide immediate relief but also support families in achieving long-term stability.What Lies Ahead
As the city winds down its emergency shelter operations, advocates and policymakers are calling for sustained efforts to support migrant families. From improving asylum processes to expanding employment opportunities, the next steps will be critical in ensuring New York maintains its legacy as a sanctuary city.
“Beyond relocation, the City and State can pass a number of policies to make sure Floyd Bennett families and all immigrants in New York feel welcome and have the support they need to thrive in their new home. These could include expanding English classes and legal services to help new immigrants quickly gain the freedom to work, allowing more asylum seekers to fill unfilled positions in City and State government, and making health insurance accessible to undocumented New Yorkers,” Jaramillo added.
With just over a month until the transition of federal power, the spotlight remains on Mayor Adams and his administration to execute the relocation plan efficiently while preparing for the challenges ahead. For the families at Floyd Bennett Field, the move marks a new chapter in their journey toward stability and hope.
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