Carolina Sanchez joined the United Farm Workers union and organized a strike at the blueberry farm where she worked. As the union representative at her workplace, Sanchez mobilized fellow workers to attend a march on César Chávez Day in Delano, California. The march, attended by over 5,000 UFW members and other union members, focused on protesting the Trump administration’s immigration policies.
Farmworkers in California, where around half are undocumented, are facing growing fear and anxiety over ICE arrests and deportations. UFW Secretary Treasurer Armando Elenes emphasized the need for broader labor protections for workers who fear being separated from their families. He estimated that around 60-70% of farmworkers in California are undocumented.
The march also featured representatives from other labor organizations and California Attorney General Rob Bonta, who shared his family’s history with farmworker activism. Despite some individuals in the region supporting the Trump administration’s immigration policies, many farmworkers like Gabriel Leal feel supported by the turnout at the march.
César Chávez’s son Paul Chavez emphasized the importance of standing up against racism and xenophobia. Sanchez, who was hopeful that the march would show support for immigrant workers, highlighted the impact of Chávez’s legacy on workers everywhere. The event aimed to raise awareness about the challenges faced by farmworkers and advocate for their rights and protections.
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