Last week, the Bay Area, spearheaded by SEIU 1021 members speaking out, rose up to oppose the threat of masked ICE goons and potentially even the National Guard invading our streets in Trump’s latest assault on cities that didn’t vote for him.

In San Francisco, thousands took to the streets to oppose this authoritarian overreach, rallying on the front steps of City Hall at noon and later marching from Embarcadero in huge numbers.

“Our community members and values are under attack by the very politicians who should have our best interest at heart. Instead, they are ripping families apart and tearing away at our social safety net like SNAP benefits and healthcare. That’s why we are out here today to let them know we will not stand for this,” said SEIU 1021 Vice President of San Francisco Kristin Hardy. 

In Oakland, our members were proud to stand with Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee and other East Bay elected officials and community leaders to say NO ICE IN OAKLAND. 

As SEIU 1021 City of Oakland Chapter President Antoinette Blue said, “Oakland is one of the most diverse cities in the county. Our diversity is a source of solidarity and strength, and we as city workers are committed to delivering services for ALL Oaklanders—immigrants and non-immigrants alike. We are proud to stand with Mayor Lee in defending our community against this unwanted and dangerous federal overreach.”

We all know that masked agents have no place in our communities, and we will stand strong with our immigrant neighbors. SEIU 1021 workers serve ALL of our residents, regardless of race, creed, color, or immigration status.

In the end, Trump backed down, first in San Francisco and then across the Bay. But SEIU 1021 members and our allies in labor and our communities are ready to take to the streets again if he changes his mind. When we stick together in the name of what’s right, we can make a powerful difference in our workplaces and for our communities.