IAM District 947 represents more than 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 nonprofits provide legal support, education, youth leadership programs, and emergency response to immigrant and underserved communities. Many of the IAM members working in these organizations are themselves immigrants or children of immigrants.
IAM members in these nonprofits face risks due to their advocacy work. Some organizations have removed employee profiles from their websites because of increased hostility and threats. Despite this environment, union members continue their efforts, organizing workshops on rights, participating in legal observation, distributing food to vulnerable families, and responding quickly to threats such as potential deportation.
Jennifer Marin Esquivel, Business Representative for IAM District 947, 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 of IAM Local 201 added, “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 also stated: “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.”
Another member from Local 201 described leading informational workshops while receiving threats: “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,” the member said anonymously. “But I still have to do this work because people need to hear their rights.”
Odette Moran from CAUSE commented on union solidarity: “In these uncertain and heavy times, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed – but being in a union and community means we don’t face it alone.”
IAM District 947 is encouraging Locals and allied unions to include immigrant protections in union contracts. This includes paid time off for immigration-related appointments and requirements for employers to notify unions about enforcement actions.
Sal Vasquez, President of IAM 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.”
Rocio Veliz from CARECEN emphasized collective action: “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 continued: “When one community is under attack – Black, LGBTQ+, immigrant – we all need to speak up. Silence is complicity.”
Earlier this year at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, Maximo Londonio—an IAM Local 695 member—was detained by U.S. Customs and Border Protection; his release was eventually secured after advocacy from his union alongside his family and employer.
At a rally demanding 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—General Vice President of the Western Territory—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,” adding that solidarity is central regardless of background.
Christian Fernando Flores from ICUC described his experience as an organizer: “The most empowering thing I’ve done as an organizer was getting deeply involved in breathing accountability into a living document: the union contract.”
Mayral Lopez from CARECEN highlighted leadership opportunities created by union membership: “The union has created new spaces for leadership,” she said. Lopez added: “Because union values don’t just belong in one workplace. They belong in every part of our community.” She recalled moments when her work directly helped individuals return home safely.
Bryant summarized the organization’s stance by stating: “From coast to coast, the IAM message is clear: we will not allow fear, hatred or broken policies to divide us… When one of us is targeted we all show up; when one of us is silenced we all speak out.”
Veliz concluded on what being part of a union means personally: “To me being union means protection,” she said.” It means support. It means we’re not alone—and that we’re stronger when we stand together.”
