Los Angeles: Activists Call for March Against ICE

Immigrant rights activists launched an urgent call to Los Angeles communities. They urged them to mobilize following two recent shootings by ICE agents. Both incidents resulted in the deaths of two men. They occurred during separate migration operations less than a week apart. The activists’ petition materialized on July 16 in South Los Angeles. Dozens of protesters gathered to demand justice for the deaths recorded in Texas and Maine.

Unión del Barrio leads the call

The demonstration was convened by the organization Unión del Barrio, dedicated to defending immigrant rights. Other community organizations joined the call. Activists hope that both incidents will motivate real changes in federal immigration policies. They also urged neighborhoods to organize their own community patrols. These patrols seek to monitor and warn residents about the presence of ICE agents in their communities. The strategy aims to strengthen security within the most vulnerable communities.

“It’s time to unite and defend ourselves”

“Many members of our community are being murdered,” expressed Lizbeth, a member of the Harriet Tubman Center for Social Justice. The activist added that the time has come to organize collectively. Her statement summarizes the widespread sentiment among protesters present. The Latino community of Los Angeles has shown growing concern for the safety of its members. This call to action stems directly from two recent tragedies that occurred in different states across the country.

The case of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo in Houston

On July 7, in Houston, Mexican national Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, 52, lost his life during an ICE operation. The man was traveling in his truck with his construction equipment toward a job site. According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Salgado Araujo was not the original target of the operation. However, he became a fatal victim of the confrontation with federal agents. His wife, Karolina Rojas, publicly shared the pain her family is experiencing. She spoke during a press conference accompanied by an interpreter.

The heartbreaking testimony of a widow

“All I have left are the photos and a blanket with our picture,” Rojas declared about the last memories she keeps of her husband. The item had been a recent gift from Salgado. “My soul is shattered. He was everything to me,” added the visibly affected widow. Her testimony moved those present during the press conference. This case adds to another similar incident that occurred just days later in a different state of the country.

The death of Johan Sebastián Durán Guerrero in Maine

On July 13, Colombian national Johan Sebastián Durán Guerrero, 26, died in a similar shooting. The incident occurred during a traffic stop in Biddeford, Maine. As in the case of Salgado, the DHS stated that Durán Guerrero was not the original target of the operation. Despite this, the young Colombian lost his life during the confrontation. He is survived by his wife and a small daughter, who now face the sudden absence of their loved one.

Trump reverses suspension of traffic stops

Following the shootings in Texas and Maine, Immigration and Customs Enforcement initially announced it would suspend traffic stops. The measure sought to reduce the risk of new incidents. However, President Donald Trump revoked that decision the day after the announcement. Traffic stops continued normally despite the controversy generated. This decision generated additional outrage among immigrant rights advocates in different cities across the country.

Fear grows among South Los Angeles residents

“It’s deeply sad to see that people like me are targets of attacks,” expressed Ramiro Sánchez, a South Los Angeles resident. The man said he felt tired of the pattern of recent violence. “I don’t know if I’ll be next,” added Sánchez, reflecting the widespread fear facing the Latino community. His testimony represents the sentiment of many residents in the area. This atmosphere of uncertainty has prompted local organizations to intensify their community organizing efforts.

A call to organize regardless of location

“No matter where you are. We have to organize because these attacks are happening everywhere,” assured Ron Góchez, leader of Unión del Barrio. His message sought to unify community efforts in different areas. Activists announced their intention to hold additional demonstrations in the coming weeks. They also plan to continue community patrol efforts already underway.

These actions seek to generate a stronger support network among residents affected by current immigration policy.

A growing death toll

Since Donald Trump assumed the presidency for a second time in January 2025, the number of victims has grown steadily. At least 10 people have died during encounters with federal immigration agents.

This figure reflects the intensification of the immigration control campaign implemented by the current administration. Human rights organizations defending…