Truth matters. Community matters. Your support makes both possible. LAist is one of the few places where news remains independent and free from political and corporate influence. Stand up for truth and for LAist. Make your tax-deductible donation now.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
DACA Supporters Rally In Downtown L.A. As Trump Is Reportedly Set To End Program
Last week, hundreds of Angelenos took to downtown L.A. to show support for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, the existence of which has been precarious ever since President Trump was elected in November.
On Monday, hundreds more walked through the streets of downtown again, as Politico and other media outlets report that the president has decided to end the program. DACA, an Obama-era program, grants work permits to undocumented immigrants who arrived in the country as children. It has provided work authorization and deportation relief to more than 750,000 young immigrants since 2012. As noted at ABC 7, California is home to about 220,000 DACA recipients (or DREAM-ers), more than any other state. Politico says that, if Trump's decision is made, the White House may delay enforcement of the president's order for six months to allow time for Congress to present an alternative. Trump is expected to make an official announcement on Tuesday.
Rallies held in support of DACA were taking place across the nation on Monday. Here in L.A., UndocuMedia hosted a rally in downtown that went from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. "While losing DACA will be a tragedy, immigrant community and allies have proven time and time again that we are able to heal from attacks like this and come back stronger and united," organizers said on the event's Facebook page. "We must start mobilizing in defense of those covered by DACA, those left out of DACA since the beginning, Temporary Protected Status (TPS) holders, and the entire undocumented community."
CBS 2 notes that UndocuMedia's rally joined a separate downtown event that was held in support of a $15 minimum wage. The rally started near the corner of Grand Avenue and Cesar Chavez Avenue on Monday morning. DACA supporters later marched through the streets downtown, passing by City Hall and the L.A. Times building. Participants included DREAM-ers and members of the labor union SEIU.
The scene was captured on social media:
Sponsored message
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
