Whether you are a concerned resident, an organizer, a protester, or simply want to educate yourself, here are tangible ways you can step up while staying safe and informed.
Published June 12, 2025 by Brady Goodman-Williams
Last updated January 30, 2026
As protests surge across Los Angeles in response to federal ICE activity, many immigrant communities are facing heightened stress, uncertainty, and increased vulnerability.
See something? Say something. California Rapid Response Network immigration hotlines can be reached at:
- 1-888-624-4752 (LA)
- 1-714-881-1558 (OC)
- 1-909-361-4588 (San Bernardino / Riverside)
Prepare. Don't panic. At risk of being picked up by ICE? Remember this number: dial 9233# from inside ICE detention centers to access FFI's National Immigration Detention Hotline.
Join, Donate, & Volunteer With Trusted Local Organizations
Skip one overpriced Negroni and slide that cash to people doing the real work. Or donate some of the time you aren't dancing at a concert.
Support groups that directly serve immigrant families with legal assistance, housing, food, and mental health resources, such as:
Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA): a leading organization that advocates for the human and civil rights of immigrants and refugees, organizing, educating, and empowering immigrant communities to achieve a just and fully inclusive society.
Immigrant Defenders Law Center: Provides legal defense for immigrants facing deportation.
International Institute of Los Angeles (IILA): Provides refugees, immigrants, and survivors of human trafficking with the skills, abilities, and resources they need to become self-sufficient and start their new lives in Southern California.
Central American Resource Center (CARECEN) Los Angeles: delivers direct immigration legal services, citizenship support, and civic engagement programs for Latino and immigrant communities, with a longstanding focus on empowering refugees and immigrants in Los Angeles.
Union del Barrio: A community-based organization focused on defending immigrant rights and promoting social justice for Latino communities.
Mutual Aid Los Angeles Network (MALAN): MALAN coordinates information, resources, and mutual aid for immigrants and protestors, including distributing protective equipment and supplies during recent anti-ICE demonstrations.
Operation Healthy Hearts: This mutual aid group in the San Gabriel Valley organizes food banks, resource fairs, and advocacy for unhoused and immigrant communities, and has recently provided protective gear and support to those impacted by ICE protests and raids.
Immigrants Are LA (IRLA): A coalition of grassroots organizations advocating for equitable access to services, housing, and worker protections for immigrants, IRLA is actively campaigning for immigrant-focused funding and support in Los Angeles County.
No Us Without You LA: This nonprofit provides food security and essential aid to undocumented hospitality workers and their families, ensuring basic needs are met for those left vulnerable by immigration enforcement actions.
Esperanza Immigrant Rights Project: A branch of Catholic Charities, Esperanza offers legal representation, education, and referrals for detained and released immigrants, focusing on empowering individuals to understand and defend their rights in the immigration system.
Many nonprofits are overwhelmed and need help translating, delivering supplies, or offering digital support. If you speak Spanish, Tagalog, Korean, or any other community language, your voice is especially needed.
Amplify Voices, Not Just Headlines
Immigrant-led protests and rallies often receive less media attention. Share content from local activists and immigrant-led groups on social media to help raise awareness and counteract misinformation.
For example, circulate bilingual resources on what to do during an arrest or ICE encounter. The National Immigration Law Center offers printable "Know Your Rights" cards in multiple languages.
Stay Safe While Protesting or Traveling
Many major thoroughfares including the 101 and 110 freeways around DTLA are closed off by LAPD during large-scale protests. Metro Los Angeles continues to operate rail and bus lines throughout the city during the protests. Check for updates on routes, delays, and station closures via Metro's Twitter (@metrolosangeles) or alerts at Metro.net.
Know Your Rights
While working with local law enforcement may be necessary to ensure peaceful demonstrations and safety, you still have rights! You do not have to disclose your immigration status during a protest or if stopped. If detained, ask for a lawyer and remain silent beyond giving your name.
Remember, you always have the right to take photos / videos of law enforcement actions, even if they ask you to stop. If published, try to avoid documenting protesters' faces to protect anonymity.
Wear Protective Clothing and Masks
Even in peaceful protests, things can escalate. Wear nondescript clothing (that covers identifiable markings like tattoos), comfortable shoes, and bring goggles or masks to protect against tear gas or pepper spray. Bring water and snacks. And bring a buddy so you aren't alone! #safetyinnumbers
Consider writing a phone number with permanent marker on your body that you'd call for bail if you're taken into custody by law enforcement.
Be Respectful
Immigrant communities face unique risks, so center their voices while being mindful to avoid placing them in harm's way through public exposure without consent. Los Angeles is at its strongest when all its communities—immigrant, native, and everyone in between—stand together. Let’s show up, speak up, and support wisely.
Remember, even though the First Amendment protects your right to protest, vandalism, looting, and property damage hurt the residents and business owners in our city's neighborhoods, and can (and will) be prosecuted. Plus violent acts undermine the legitimacy of any political message. If your mama wouldn't be proud, don't do it.
And the First Amendment also protects your right to disagree with any protest or movement! But antagonizing, disrespecting, or impeding others' right to safely protest isn't cool, digitally or IRL. Practice empathy before you jump in the comments section.
Be Consistent
Helping once is great. Helping consistently is better. Check in weekly, donate monthly, and stay vocal long after the headlines fade.
LA is a city of immigrants — past, present, and future. Whether you give your time, dollars, or digital voice, every action matters, no matter how small. Hope is a choice, homie.
Got another org or effort we missed? Hit us up at [email protected]! We’re listening.
