The situation of street vendors in Los Angeles is going through one of its most difficult times. In the midst of recent immigration raids on workplaces ordered by the federal government, immigration agents are now reportedly detaining street vendors, in many cases without apparent justification or due process.
Civil rights organizations have warned that, in recent weeks, masked agents – allegedly belonging to ICE – have been arresting street vendors indiscriminately. In several cases, these operations have been carried out without the agents identifying themselves or informing the families where the detainees are being taken.
An atmosphere of fear in the streets
According to testimonies collected by the Los Angeles Street Vendors Campaign (LASVC), the vendor community is in a state of widespread fear.
Many choose not to go out to sell, and those who do are faced with streets empty of customers who fear witnessing or being caught in a raid.
The economic impact has been devastating: for hundreds of immigrant families who depend on this activity, losing even a single day of work can mean not being able to cover basic expenses such as food or rent.
The Solidarity Fund goes into action
In light of this situation, LASVC has activated the Los Angeles Street Vendor Solidarity Fund, an urgent initiative to provide immediate economic support, such as food, rent and basic necessities.
Also to help identify and locate vendors who went missing after the raids.
The same as offering legal accompaniment to the affected families.
The committee in charge of managing the funds is made up of organizations with a long history of defending the rights of street vendors.
Among these organizations are the Community Power Collective, East LA Community Corporation, Inclusive Action for the City and Public Counsel.
These entities have been working for more than 15 years for a more inclusive urban economy and have already provided support in recent crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic and forest fires in the region.
How to help?
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The Fund receives direct donations, which are channeled 100% to the affected vendors.
To that end, a GoFundMe page has been opened under the title Support Street Vendors Affected by ICE Raids.
Reports on the aid distributed will be published in a transparent manner on its official website, always respecting the privacy of the beneficiaries.
The organizations will continue to raise resources as long as the crisis caused by ICE raids in Los Angeles persists.
Those wishing to contribute or in need of assistance may contact directly:
Community Organization: sergio@cpcolective.org
Legal Support: swrench@publiccounsel.org
Fundraising: info@inclusiveaction.org
General questions: contact@elacc.org
The street vendor community, largely composed of Latin American immigrants, is currently experiencing one of the most difficult chapters in recent Los Angeles history, amidst a wave of immigration crackdowns that threaten their livelihoods and well-being.
Many choose not to go out to sell, and those who do find themselves facing empty streets of customers who fear witnessing or being caught in a raid
