June 10, 2025
Statement on Behalf of Brenda Victoria Castillo, President and CEO, National Hispanic Media Coalition, on ICE and Militarized Force in Southern California
On Friday, June 6, 2025 ICE Raids were conducted in Los Angeles County arresting everyday people and separating children from their families, stripping people of their dignity and humanity–all without due process. At the National Hispanic Media Coalition (NHMC) we have always, and continue to stand in solidarity with our immigrant community and all who are rising up to defend human dignity and democratic principles.
Our team was present at the demonstration in Downtown Los Angeles on Sunday, June 8th and again last night in the City of Whittier, where I witnessed a united front made up of a diverse crowd holding up signs and symbols representing the United States, Pride, Mexico, El Salvador, Trans Rights, and more that truly represents what Los Angeles – The United States – is made up of.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents were deployed near Central Library and Home Depot, spaces that should be safe and accessible to all. The heavy threats of ICE, combined with additional military force, have created an environment of fear and unleashed a wave of uncertainty throughout the nation, anchored in Los Angeles – a city built by immigrant cultures and communities.
What we’re witnessing in our hometown of Los Angeles goes far beyond a debate about immigration reform. ICE’s actions are not only unlawful, they also deliberately target the most vulnerable among us who are simply trying to provide for their families and live out their lives as human beings. These inhumane tactics demand a unified response. We must stand together in solidarity to defend all targeted communities facing threats of violence and persecution.
NHMC was founded as a civil and human rights organization. We advocate for fairness, truth, and equity – not just in the media but in every facet of public life. We will not remain silent as peaceful demonstrators are met with militarized force simply for exercising their constitutional right to speak out against injustice.
Let us be clear, the deployment of the military on its own citizens with intent to snuff out dissenting voices is not democracy. It is a misuse of federal power, a form of suppression, and a direct terrorist threat to the fabric of our country’s founding principles.
On Saturday, June 14, thousands of people across the U.S. are expected to participate in No King’s Day, a national day of action pushing back against the harmful and dangerous policies of the current administration. We urge the public to take part and stand up for their right to advocate for what they believe in. As part of our efforts, we are compiling resources, Know Your Rights information, and other tools to help keep us informed, safe, and empowered during these uncertain and challenging times.
Now more than ever, we all need to continue to show up for one another, despite the fear and efforts to intimidate us. We will stand united, raise our voices, and take action because our collective power is how we protect our communities and push back against injustice.
Each of us has a calling in life, and that purpose is to leave this world a better place for our grandchildren and generations to come. Building on the tenacity and sacrifices of our ancestors and immigrants who came before us, we urge each and every one of you to join us in protecting our democracy.
Yours in the Movement,
Brenda Victoria Castillo
President & CEO
National Hispanic Media Coalition
