IAM District 947 represents over 300 workers at nonprofit organizations in California, including the Central American Resource Center (CARECEN), Central Coast Alliance United for a Sustainable Economy (CAUSE), and Inland Congregations United for Change (ICUC). These members provide legal assistance, education, youth leadership programs, and emergency response to immigrant and underserved communities. Many of these union members are immigrants or children of immigrants themselves.
Jennifer Marin Esquivel, IAM District 947 Business Representative, said, “We have members who joined these non-profits because they’ve lived or witnessed firsthand injustices. They’ve seen their own families and communities impacted by immigration policies. They know what’s at stake.”
Guillermo Quintanilla, a member of IAM Local 201 (District 947) and CARECEN Lead Migrant Coordinator, commented on the risks involved: “Yes, it can be scary… but that doesn’t mean that we’re going to stop. That doesn’t mean that we’re going to let ourselves be intimidated. We’re going to continue this good work… We know that we are on the right side of history.” He added: “We know that the IAM Union stands with us, fights with us, and has our back, which makes all the difference. We know we are not alone in this.”
Some nonprofit organizations represented by IAM have removed employee profiles from their websites due to concerns about safety as the political climate has become more hostile.
An anonymous member of IAM Local 201 described the challenges faced: “It’s hard to lead informational workshops when I’m receiving threats and constantly wondering whether those threats will come true, or if I’m putting my family or others in the community at risk. But I still have to do this work because people need to hear their rights.”
Despite these challenges, union members remain active in organizing educational workshops about rights under immigration law, participating in legal observation efforts during enforcement actions, distributing food to vulnerable families, and responding quickly when someone is threatened with detention or deportation.
Marin Esquivel explained further: “Our members are part of rapid response teams. They’re the ones running toward the threat, not away from it. They go to day labor centers and rallies, they record raids, they educate their neighbors. They are on the ground every single day.”
Rocio Veliz of IAM Local 201 (District 947) and CARECEN Senior Parenting Organizer emphasized solidarity: “Now that we’re part of the IAM, there’s a deeper sense of commitment. We can lean on each other. We’ve been able to push for stronger protections, educate more families, and advocate for policy changes – together.” She added: “As a steward, I’ve been able to learn about those rights and pass them on to the parents and youth I work with. When one community is under attack – Black, LGBTQ+, immigrant – we all need to speak up. Silence is complicity.”
IAM District 947 has recommended embedding immigrant protections into union contracts such as paid time off for immigration-related appointments and employer notification requirements if unlawful enforcement occurs.
Sal Vasquez, President and Directing Business Representative of District 947 stated: “The idea is simple… You shouldn’t have to sacrifice your wages or your safety to support your community or secure your own legal status. Our contracts should reflect that.”
Odette Moran from CAUSE described how being part of a union provides support during difficult times: “In these uncertain and heavy times… being in a union and community means we don’t face it alone… Even when the rain feels relentless… That’s the power of community – we don’t wait for calm; we move forward together through the storm.”
Earlier this year Maximo Londonio—a member of IAM Local 695—was detained by U.S Customs at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport but was released after advocacy efforts by his union alongside his family and employer.
At a rally supporting Londonio’s release Brian Bryant—IAM International President—said: “Union rights are immigrant rights! We will be here for whatever it takes; for as long as it takes.”
Robert “Bobby” Martinez—IAM Western Territory General Vice President—noted: “The work our IAM Union non-profit members do isn’t just about providing services – it’s about living our union’s core values… Their daily fight reflects who we are: a union that stands for dignity equity justice for all people… Because in our union solidarity knows no boundaries.”
Bryant added: “From coast to coast…we will not allow fear hatred or broken policies divide us….When one of us is targeted we all show up….When one is silenced we all speak out.”
Mayral Lopez—Secretary-Treasurer at IAM Local 201 (District 947) & CARECEN DOJ Accredited Representative—said: “The union has created new spaces for leadership….Knowing our rights helps everyone—even beyond non-profit world.” She continued:”Because union values don’t just belong in one workplace….They belong in every part of our community.”
Christian Fernando Flores—IAM Local 201 (District 947) & ICUC Community Organizer—noted:”The most empowering thing I’ve done as an organizer was getting deeply involved in breathing accountability into a living document—the union contract.”
Veliz summarized her experience:“To me being union means protection….It means support….It means we’re not alone—and that we’re stronger when we stand together.”
