Statement on targeting of immigrant union members

March 26, 2025

MLK Labor Executive Secretary-Treasurer Katie Garrow issued the following statement on the targeting of immigrant union members and protestors:

“Unions knew the Trump administration would make deportation a priority, and we are incensed by how it is being used as a strategy to target union organizers and protestors. It’s hypocritical for a Republican administration to suppress First Amendment rights and unions while claiming to champion free speech and working-class voters.

Trump and Vance targeted Lelo Juarez because he’s helping farm workers improve their lives. They came after Mahmoud Khalil because he spoke out with his union the UAW against the genocide in Gaza. And they detained SEIU 925 sister Lewelyn Dixon who came to this country legally five decades ago to scare legal resident Union members. Immigrant union members are this administration’s top target and MLK Labor will not stand for it.

Their goal is to create fear and chaos so they can enact their extreme agenda. MLK Labor joins the labor community in demanding Lelo and Lewelyn’s release.”