LA/SEIU Statement

GEO Local 6300 condemns the repression against protestors, workers, and union leaders in Los Angeles. We stand in solidarity with immigrants and protesters and call on all universities to support their immigrant workers in the face of these vicious attacks. Our institutions have spent decades profiting from immigrant labor; it is time for these same institutions to commit to ensuring immigrant safety and the freedom to enroll, study, and work without fear of detention or rendition.

The recent outburst of anger, revolt, and protest in Los Angeles demonstrates the organic response given by workers in reaction to the rabid deportations and active super-exploitation of our immigrant worker community members. The United States government, with both of its contemporary parties, will always condemn and suppress genuine resistance that gets out of their control.

The targeting of labor leaders like SEIU president David Huerta and immigrant workers for arrest and deportation is a new escalation of outward State violence that seeks to further their exploitation for the benefit of the wealthy. Deportations occur constantly to regulate the labor market, regardless of which party is in power. With it now being in the interests of the wealthy to expel these workers, hateful rhetoric is disseminated and made popular which further harms their position and ability to organize.

As a sanctuary and social justice union, we stand in full solidarity with the anti-ICE and anti-deportation resistance and encourage all unions to pass resolutions of immigrant solidarity and defense in order to mobilize when under attack. This means working towards organized direct action to force employers to refuse collaboration with ICE, to keep immigrants safe, and to defend and raise their standard of living regardless of their country of origin or residence. We must defend the rights of all workers and continue to organize a labor movement that is strengthened by the solidarity and diversity of working people everywhere.

Every worker, regardless of their country of origin, deserves to study, work, and live in safety and security. We stand in solidarity with immigrant workers everywhere.

For members concerned about this and other social justice issues, join GEO’s Solidarity Committee and Immigration Working Group to help address them.