Following an immigration raid that ended with the death of day laborer Jaime Alanís García, hundreds of farmworkers have called for the “Strike for Dignity”, a three-day protest that seeks to denounce the increasing criminalization of the undocumented labor force that sustains the U.S. agricultural sector.
The mobilization was announced from the Placita Olvera in downtown Los Angeles, with the presence of farm worker leaders from key regions such as Fresno, Kern and the San Joaquin Valley, and was led by activist Flor Martinez, known for her work in defense of migrant labor rights. The strike, scheduled for Wednesday, July 16 through Friday, July 18, is a direct response to ICE raids, particularly the one at Glass House Farms (Camarillo), where more than 200 workers were detained. Videos shared on social networks show confrontations between families and immigration agents.
Demand respect, stop raids and more
Buzzy
During the press conference, the day laborers demanded:
An end to immigration raids in growing areas
Pathways to legalization for those who sustain the food industry
Recognition as essential workers, not criminals
One of the most powerful testimonies came from Gabriel Valladolid, a farmer from the San Joaquin Valley, who showed his tax returns before throwing them on the ground in protest:
“I have worked even on Thanksgiving and during the pandemic. We don’t have vacations, but now they treat us like criminals.”
Also participating were day laborers with decades of experience such as Asunción Ponce Espinoza and Xochitl Nuñez, who denounced inhumane conditions, abandonment during the pandemic and lack of recognition:
“We get up at 4 a.m. to feed this country. This strike is a cry for dignity.”
How to spread the strike?
Although many workers are unionized, the United Farm Workers Union (UFW) clarified in a statement that it is not directly involved:
“The UFW supports those taking action, but was not involved in organizing this strike,” said spokesman Marc Grossman.
Now they treat us like criminals
The protest has spread through WhatsApp, TikTok and community chains, showing the power of self-management and solidarity among farmworkers.
At the height of the harvest season, many of them fear losing their jobs, but are willing to take the risk for a basic right: to be treated humanely.
For more information, visit QuéOnnda.com.
