Latino leaders from Southern California have embarked on a caravan to gather support on their way to Florida, where they plan to protest against the anti-immigrant law SB 1718. The caravan, consisting of less than a dozen vehicles, started from Chicano Park in San Diego’s Logan Latino neighborhood. Their journey will take them through cities with significant Latino and immigrant communities in California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, and Louisiana before reaching Florida.
Pedro Ríos, director of the American Friends Services Committee border project, stated that this caravan represents a stand against policies that seek to criminalize and strip away the fundamental rights of immigrant communities. He also warned of the dangerous implications of SB 1718, as it targets immigrants as potential targets for violence.
Estela Jiménez, a lawyer, expressed concerns that the implementation of this legislation could lead to an exodus of immigrant families to other states. She emphasized the impact of the departure of valuable farm workers and the lack of visibility of their rights. In addition to the caravan, activists are promoting a boycott of Florida products and tourism.
The boycott was initiated by the same organizers in Chula Vista, San Diego County, a few weeks ago. While the impact of the boycott is still unknown, Jiménez believes that it could have a significant impact if it continues in Latin America.
Gloria Saucedo, an activist leader in the region for over 30 years, highlighted the caravan’s goal of exposing politicians who use immigrant workers as tokens in their political and electoral campaigns. She drew parallels to the opposition against anti-immigrant Proposition 187 in California and expressed hope for a similar outcome in Florida.
The caravan is scheduled to make stops in Los Angeles, where a rally will be held, and participate in a Sunday mass before continuing to Arizona. The itinerary includes stops in New Mexico, Texas, Louisiana, and finally Tallahassee, Florida, where the protest against SB 1718 will take place from July 1 to July 4.
SB 1718, signed into law by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, aims to combat the effects of illegal immigration caused by reckless border policies. The law criminalizes undocumented workers and requires employers to verify the legitimacy of worker documents and information online, disallowing identification issued by other states.
Benjamín Prado from Unión del Barrio warned that the impact of SB 1718 on Florida’s economy may lead to opposition from Republicans who initially supported the law. The caravan seeks to raise awareness and mobilize support against this anti-immigrant legislation.
How does the caravan of Latino leaders aim to garner support for their protest against the anti-immigrant law SB 1718?
Latinos leaders have initiated a caravan aiming to garner support as they make their way to Florida, where they intend to protest the anti-immigrant law SB 1718. The caravan, composed of less than twelve vehicles, commenced its journey from Chicano Park in San Diego’s Logan Latino neighborhood. Along their route, they will pass through cities with significant Latino and immigrant populations in California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, and Louisiana before ultimately reaching Florida.
Director of the American Friends Services Committee border project, Pedro Ríos, emphasized that this caravan represents a strong opposition to policies that seek to criminalize and erode the fundamental rights of immigrant communities. He also cautioned about the harmful implications of SB 1718, which directly targets immigrants as potential subjects of scrutiny.
“Strong and united, the Latino Caravan takes a stand against the anti-immigrant law in Florida. Together, they send a powerful message of solidarity and demand justice for all immigrants. #NoToSB1718”