Leftist Coalition Funds Opposition to Trump’s Immigration Crackdown

By Staff Reporter |

In the wake of President Donald Trump’s inauguration, protests erupted across major U.S. cities, with the loud chant “CHINGA LA MIGRA!” echoing through the streets. These demonstrations, driven by pro-immigration advocates, have often escalated beyond peaceful assembly, aiming to disrupt deportation efforts within the U.S.

Grassroots groups, including local chapters of the Party For Socialism and Liberation and MEChA, have gained momentum by collaborating with well-established leftist organizations to amplify their call for open borders and the abolishment of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

In Phoenix, anti-ICE demonstrations have made headlines as activists halted traffic, brandishing foreign flags and placards demanding recognition of ancestral land rights. These actions reflect a united front against perceived injustices related to immigration enforcement.

The financial backbone of these movements largely consists of contributions from prominent left-leaning donors, organizations, and even some corporations. Their collective aim remains clear: to promote policies that would grant legal status to undocumented immigrants and dismantle current immigration enforcement frameworks.

Among the prominent organizations in Arizona is the Aliento Education Fund, headquartered in Phoenix. With reported revenues exceeding $1.7 million in 2023, Aliento, founded by DACA recipient Reyna Montoya, provides resources aimed at helping undocumented individuals navigate immigration enforcement. Montoya recently led protests against groups like College Republicans United, who support deportation initiatives.

The Arizona Center for Empowerment (ACE) also plays a significant role in advocating for undocumented immigrants. Founded in the wake of SB1070, ACE has accumulated nearly $7 million in revenue for 2023. ACE provides advisories to its constituents on avoiding detainment and operates alongside its sister organization, Living United for Change in Arizona (LUCHA).

Joseph Garcia heads the Chicanos Por La Causa Action Fund (CPLCAF), which reported revenues of $4.4 million in 2023. The organization actively seeks to influence state politicians against deportation strategies and receives substantial funding from its parent organization, Chicanos Por La Causa.

Legal assistance for detained immigrants is offered by the Florence Immigrant and Refugee Rights Project, which reported revenues of $17.8 million for 2023. The Florence Project engages in legal actions against the Trump administration’s policies, having filed lawsuits to counter executive orders deemed harmful to immigrant populations.

PODER in Action and PODER Arizona are dedicated to nurturing leadership and activism within immigrant communities, reporting revenues of $2.1 million and $1.1 million, respectively. Their initiatives include organizing protests and providing outreach aimed at evading immigration enforcement.

The Puente Human Rights Movement specializes in assisting illegal immigrants in avoiding deportation. Established in 2007, the organization has mobilized rapidly since the onset of the Trump presidency. Its efforts include launching hotlines to monitor immigration enforcement activities.

Looking ahead, experts predict that while protests against federal immigration policies might evolve, the intensity remains unchanged. Recent legislative efforts in Arizona, such as SB1164, aimed at limiting local resistance to federal immigration mandates, have galvanized community engagement, with activists vowing to maintain pressure on state legislators.

As the discussion surrounding immigration continues, the chorus of dissent highlights the ongoing struggle for immigrant rights within the framework of changing political landscapes.