"People are just scared. But they still have to go out there to look for work. They still have bills to pay. Rent to pay," Gabaldon said. The Concord Immigrant Protection Network is a newly formed volunteer organization that educates on immigrant rights. Volunteers are now using their voice for a holiday caroling protest targeted at Home Depot, accusing the company of collaborating with ICE by allowing the agency to stage in its parking lots."
"Gabaldon said Concord has a large population of undocumented workers. Last year, an immigration court opened in Concord, which has been a flashpoint for immigration raids and confrontations between protesters and ICE agents. Gabaldon said all that is weighing on the community. "Mental health is one of the issues. Housing is big issue, too. Their hours are being cut. Also, work has slowed down. So, they are having a lot of problems right now, even going to the store to buy food," Gabaldon said."
ICE activity has increased across the Bay Area this year. Home Depot parking lots historically served as informal hiring sites for day laborers, but fewer people are showing up because people fear enforcement while still needing work and income. A newly formed volunteer group educates on immigrant rights and staged a holiday caroling protest accusing Home Depot of allowing ICE to stage operations in its parking lots. Concord hosts an immigration court and has experienced raids and confrontations. Residents face mental-health stress, housing challenges, reduced hours, slowed work, and difficulty affording food. Home Depot issued a statement denying the allegations.
Read at ABC7 San Francisco
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