‘Dangerous and unconstitutional,’ what local leaders say about Trump's executive orders on immigration

 During his inauguration speech Monday morning as the 47th President of the United States, Donald Trump said all illegal entry would immediately be halted and the deportation of millions of undocumented immigrants would start. 

This order is part of 10 executive actions signed by Trump the same day, which include deploying the military and the National Guard at the southern border, ending birthright citizenship, ending catch and release practice and reinstating the Remain in Mexico policy.  He also invoked the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 to use the full power of federal and state law enforcement to eliminate the presence of all foreign gangs and criminal networks, including cartels. 

The worst aggression against immigrants

Locally, elected officials, organizations, and pro-immigrant groups reacted to this announcement. While the inauguration of a new president should augur new beginnings and the search for new possibilities for all, this time was not the case, indicated Angelica Salas, executive director of the Coalition for Human Immigrant Rights in Los Angeles (CHIRLA). 

She said these threats shouldn’t be taken lightly, and they have to fight to make sure history doesn’t repeat when race, ethnicity, language or religion were the sole basis for bigotry, discrimination and violation of human and civil rights of entire communities.  

“We have a proud history of welcoming those who seek hope and new beginnings,” she said. “Americans should not tolerate a regime intent on destroying the American Dream for everyone but a few.  We will stand prepared, united and ready to defend ourselves, our freedoms and dreams.”

California Assemblymember of the 54th District, Mark Gonzalez said he is committed to continue working with his colleagues in the assembly to protect Angelenos and all Californians targeted by this administration’s divisive and bigoted agenda. 

He said Trump’s oath to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution is in contrast to the Trump-Vance administration’s actions. 

“Their relentless pursuit of immigrants across America is not only dangerous and unconstitutional but deeply perplexing,” said Gonzalez. “Families, including those like the Trumps and Vances here in California and across the country, face the threat of family separations, unlawful deportations and baseless acts of aggression–things this country has not seen in modern times.”

Mayra Anguiluz, mayor of Maywood, said that President Trump doesn’t realize the big contributions immigrants continue bringing to the economy. She said it is vital to continue to unite and advocate because they are not discussing politics but the protection of basic human rights.

“We will continue to protect the underrepresented at all times,” she said. “Maywood is a sanctuary city and we will continue to do so.”

Huntington Park City Manager Ricardo Reyes said the city has a vibrant and hard-working immigrant community with a City Council that is committed to aligning with the City’s values of inclusivity and support for vulnerable and disadvantaged populations. 

“This coming Tuesday, January 21, the City Council will discuss adopting a resolution in support of California SB48 to create safe, equitable and inclusive environments for our students and families, ensuring access to education without fear, disruption or intimidation,” he said. 

Immigrants continue to help despite the hate

Pablo Alvarado, co-executive director of the National Day Laborer Organization Network (NDLON), said while the new administration imposes hate and division from the top down, immigrant communities are building love from the bottom up. 

During a short speech Monday morning in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and on the 13th day of cleaning in the aftermath of the Eaton fire, Alvarado said the jornaleros and volunteers in Pasadena exemplify that when the government fails to respond, the people address the problem immediately. 

However, he recognized that despite the hard work of many volunteers and jornaleros, “a new fire” started Monday for the immigrant community due to the threats of deportations. 

“But we know that we are more than the description our adversaries have made of us and you can see it’s tangible here in Pasadena and across this country,” he said. “The threats are intimidating, and we know the fear will be widespread, but we also know many Americans stand with immigrants.”