As 2025 began, media portrayed immigrants as terrified amidst fears of deportation due to Donald Trump's political resurgence. However, this narrative shifted dramatically when wildfires struck Los Angeles. Immigrant workers rallied to support disaster response efforts almost immediately, filling a crucial role in recovery activities. Organizations like the National Day Laborer Organizing Network mobilized to assist affected communities. Their actions highlight the resilience of immigrant communities and emphasize the need for effective strategies that involve these individuals in both short-term and long-term disaster recovery efforts.
"Before the fires we had all been afraid, but now we had something to do," Alvarado told NPQ. "Immigrant communities know all about disasters. We understand hard times. And we know the importance of community resilience."
"Disaster recovery and rebuilding take a long time. And immigrants are often at the center of this work."
"It was the immigrants who went into overdrive. Paralyzed waiting gave way to organized engagement-an urgent course of determined action that continues today."
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