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A coalition of national Latino and civil rights leaders is condemning the recent immigration raids in Los Angeles and the federal government’s decision to deploy military force in local communities. In a virtual press conference held on Wednesday, leaders described the Trump administration’s actions as a dangerous abuse of power that threatens civil liberties and heightens fear in Latino-majority neighborhoods.

Organizations including UnidosUS, the National Urban League, America’s Voice, LULAC, the Hispanic Federation, Mi Familia Vota, and the National Action Network described the raids and military deployments as an alarming escalation of federal power. They warned that the administration’s tactics advance anti-immigrant policies and ignore opposition from local officials and residents.

“This should concern all Americans,” Janet Murguía, president and CEO of UnidosUS, said. “Our right to protest and our right to free speech are being challenged. The assault on due process by this administration continues.”

Marc H. Morial, president and CEO of the National Urban League, said the Trump administration’s tactics in Los Angeles were “a direct assault on civil rights and democratic norms.” He warned that the use of military force and immigration raids amounts to using federal power “to settle political scores and to silence dissent, while putting lives at risk and fanning the flames of division.”

Héctor Sánchez Barba, president and CEO of Mi Familia Vota, said the raids and military presence were “designed to terrorize Latino communities and distract from a failed political agenda.” He called the administration’s tactics “a coordinated campaign by MAGA extremists to criminalize immigrants, suppress our voice and dismantle the very foundation of our democracy,” emphasizing that Latino communities are being targeted “not because they’ve done anything wrong, but because they represent power, resilience and hope for a more just future.”

Rev. Al Sharpton, president of the National Action Network, said the recent raids and military presence in Los Angeles violate basic constitutional rights.

“What has unfolded, from the deployment of military personnel to attacking peaceful protesters, flies in the face of the First Amendment and the foundation of our nation,” he noted.

Frankie Miranda, president and CEO of the Hispanic Federation, stated that his organization has supported California nonprofits for years and will continue to do so.

“Now, more than ever, we must ensure that they are supported in every aspect. Our communities remain safe, vibrant, and vital economic contributors to our economy,” Miranda noted.

“The Trump administration is using immigration to create what increasingly looks like a police state. He is spoiling for a fight in order to erode the freedom of every American, not just immigrants,” Vanessa Cárdenas, executive director of America’s Voice, said.

“Our civil society is precious, as it is our civil liberties that form the legal foundation of our rights,” Shavon Arline-Bradley, president and CEO of National Council of Negro Women (NCNW), noted. “This is the America we live in, for which we will always fight to protect.” 

The situation in the Los Angeles area has garnered global attention, with major outlets providing near-constant updates since the weekend. Here is the latest from the Los Angeles Times as of Wednesday night.

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What We’re Reading

The Mexican Flag Issue: For my latest MSNBC opinion piece, I attempt to cut through the noise surrounding Mexican flags at the Los Angeles immigration protests, citing the recent work of two journalists I have admired for years: Gustavo Arellano of the Los Angeles Times and Tina Vásquez of Prism.

Meanwhile, in Puerto Rico: This post from Power 4 Puerto Rico caught our attention:

About the Author

Julio Ricardo Varela is the founder of The Latino Newsletter. He is also its current part-time publisher and executive director. Email him here.

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