"Wendy, a volunteer who monitors ICE activity on busy streets near day laborer corners, patrols International Boulevard in front of a U-Haul in Oakland on Sept. 5, 2025. A nonprofit called "Adopt a Day Laborer Corner" has inspired Californians to volunteer their time to accompany day laborers, who are at risk of deportation, at highly visible intersections and monitor for immigration sweeps."
"When a Bay Area woman watched recent bystander videos of agents in military-style gear arresting day laborers, vendors and gardeners in Southern California - sometimes violently - she was appalled. The freelance interpreter couldn't shake the images of masked immigration officers pushing Latino workers to the ground or even punching them before loading them into vehicles."
""I decided this seems like something I can do," said Christy, clutching her sweater one breezy morning near a U-Haul location in East Oakland, where about 10 day laborers lingered. "More active than marching. This is definitely a better way to be present for people.""
Volunteers in California accompany day laborers at visible intersections and parking lots to monitor for immigration sweeps and provide a protective presence. The Pasadena nonprofit Adopt a Day Laborer Corner inspired hundreds of Californians to volunteer after expanded ICE operations in Southern California, including at retail parking lots. Bystander videos showed agents in military-style gear detaining and sometimes using force against day laborers, vendors and gardeners. Volunteers like Christy offer a visible, on-the-ground presence near gathering spots such as a U-Haul location in East Oakland. Complaints allege agents removed men from jobs and used force even after IDs were offered. Tens of thousands of mostly Latino men gather each morning to await short-term jobs.
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