FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, April 11, 2025
Media Inquiries Contact: press@alianzaamericas.org
Cindy Cruz - El Salvador +503 7803 8465
Sandra Diaz - United States (773) 638-4278
Chicago, Illinois- As a national network of 58 Latin American and Caribbean immigrant-led organizations representing thousands of immigrant communities across the country, Alianza Americas stands united in its condemnation of the authoritarian and xenophobic policies enacted during the first 100 days of Trump’s return to office. Trump's guise of an "America First" doctrine is harming the country and its people and distorting the international economic and political world order. These actions are not only immoral—they are destabilizing communities, undermining the rule of law, and dragging the nation backward.
We reject the fear-based politics that seek to scapegoat immigrant communities and silence dissent. Across the country, immigrant leaders are rising to say: we will not be silenced or erased. As this administration continues to disregard the rule of law and violate people’s constitutional right to due process, immigrant leaders raise their voice today to demand an end to the war on immigrants and their families, our planet, and our collective wellbeing. Today, we reaffirm our commitment to protect and uplift the rights of migrants and all people striving for justice and inclusion across the Americas.
Below are reflections from leaders across the Alianza Americas network in response to the Trump administration’s actions during its first 100 days:
Dulce Guzmán, Executive Director of Alianza Americas: “We cannot ignore the crisis unfolding at the expense of migrant communities, both here and abroad. Deterrence policies and irresponsible tariffs will never solve migration issues, as they ignore the root causes of migration: poverty, violence, climate, and instability. Cuts to foreign aid and a decrease of remittances due to deportations only deepen the crisis. Across borders, grassroots organizations are fighting to keep families safe and demand the dignity and justice that can’t wait."
Abel Nuñez, CARECEN DC, Washington D.C.: “This crisis we face is not only a reflection of the actions of the executive branch, but also the silence of the members of Congress, who have neglected their duties, and are either complicit or doing nothing to fight back against these dangerous actions that are harming the fabric of society, institutions, communities, and democracy across the country. Now is the moment we must not only reject the status quo, but propose real solutions for our future.”
Edwin Alvarez, Casa Yurumein, New York: “For the Garifuna community, culture is our strength—and in New York, it’s how we meet this moment with resilience and purpose. We find power and joy in our roots, in our history, and each other. However, we know that justice also means accountability. Democracy depends on leaders being held accountable to the law, not rising above it. When institutions are weaponized to silence us, we push back—with truth and with the unshakable power of our people.”
Teodoro Aguiluz, CRECEN Houston, Texas: “In Texas, we are resilient. At CRECEN, we have spent decades building community power. While politicians spread false narratives, we know the truth: TPS recipients and all migrants are essential to the fabric of our communities. In the face of injustice, our solidarity is our strength.”
Guadalupe de la Cruz, Seeds of Resistance, Florida: “In Florida, we face relentless attacks against immigrant and LGBTQ+ communities. But at Seeds of Resistance, our youth continue to lead with courage and clarity. As we reflect on these first 100 days, we know exactly what we’re fighting for: a future where our youth can learn, play, and thrive without fear or detention.”
Luis López Reséndiz, CIELO, California: “Indigenous migrants in Los Angeles have carried the weight of displacement, not just from borders, but from the devastation of climate change—wildfires choking our air, scorching our lands, and threatening our lives. One hundred days after Trump's return, we demand environmental justice and the right to live with dignity in the places we now call home.”
Michelle Garcia, Access Living/Cambiando Vidas, Illinois: “In just 100 days, we’ve seen policies that threaten the lives and dignity of people with disabilities, including those in immigrant communities. Mass deportations and cuts to Medicaid are not just political decisions; they are life-and-death issues for millions who rely on care to survive. While Chicago and Illinois have been fierce advocates for our communities, we need everyone across the country to speak up. The disruption of these critical services impacts us all.”
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Alianza Americas is the premier transnational advocacy network of Latin American migrant-led organizations working in the United States, across the Americas, and globally to create an inclusive, equitable and sustainable way of life for communities across North, Central and South America.