One of the main messages of the rally was asking Obama to put an end to the raids of immigrant homes and workplaces that ICE has been increasingly conducting over the past eight years.   The community is calling for reform of immigration laws, so that families and workers are better
protected, and fear and raids will no longer be used as the dominant way to control immigration.  Immigrants shared personal stories and those of family members who have been victims of workplace raids. The stories included accounts of violence by the police, unsanitary and dangerous transport and holding conditions, and harassment by ICE agents.  Wednesday’s rally sent a loud and clear message that the community is expecting Obama to take action to put an end to these raids.

It’s also important to remember how closely linked immigration and labor rights truly are. Improving labor conditions in other countries directly affects immigration patterns in the US. Although people have various reasons for migrating, those who come to the US to find better jobs wouldn’t feel as much pressure to migrate if jobs in their home countries paid a living wage, offered benefits, and were safer and less discriminatory.  Improving workers rights and job opportunities in other countries will help keep families together and prevent many from being forced to migrate to find better jobs.