Last Thursday, July 17, hundreds gathered on the steps of the California State Capitol in Sacramento for a powerful day of action in honor of the late Congressman John Lewis. The protest, called “Good Trouble Lives On,” brought together union members, immigrant rights advocates, and community organizers to take a stand against the Trump administration’s attacks on civil and human rights, especially its escalating immigration enforcement actions.

Unions from across California, along with community organizations and allies, raised our voices to defend our communities, demand dignity for all workers, and make it clear: We will not be silent.

The timing of the rally could not have been more urgent. Just hours before, border patrol agents conducted a raid at a Sacramento Home Depot parking lot, arresting at least 11 people. These increasingly aggressive and secretive enforcement actions, including the use of unmarked vehicles and masked officers, are tactics we cannot afford to ignore.

SEIU Local 1021 San Francisco City member Brandon Dawkins said, “It’s important that we fight back against this regime that’s trying to take so much away from poor and working-class people. It’s important for labor to show up and combine forces because it’s impacting all of us. It’s impacting us, it’s impacting our kids, it’s impacting our parents, and we all need to fight back together.”

Union members know what’s at stake. Many of us come from immigrant families or care for those who do. We understand that an attack on one of us is an attack on all of us. And as Medicaid faces proposed cuts, it’s not just our clients who are at risk; it’s our livelihoods, our families, and our communities.

The rally was a reminder of the power we have when we come together. Standing side by side in the July heat, we chanted, shared stories, and carried on the legacy of Congressman Lewis, who told us to “get in good trouble, necessary trouble.” It was a moment of unity, but also a call to action.

While this protest was necessary, it is only one step.

“I’m out here to get into good trouble because of the times we’re in,” said Shelly Martin, a paraprofessional for Vacaville Unified School District. ”We need to fight back, and unions need to get involved now more than ever. We need to come together and get more involved because our rights and liberties are at risk.”

Getting involved in your union and your community is essential. The threats we’re facing require ongoing commitment, organizing, and solidarity. So here’s how you can take action today:

• Follow NorCal Resist on Instagram and Facebook to stay updated on local actions, mutual aid efforts, and urgent community needs.
• Attend a Migra Watch training. These trainings equip everyday people to monitor and respond safely to ICE activity in our neighborhoods and protect vulnerable community members.
• Get active in your union. Whether it’s joining a committee, attending meetings, or simply talking with coworkers about what’s happening, your involvement makes our union stronger.

We need to act and we need to organize.

As Congressman Lewis reminded us, “Democracy is not a state. It is an act.” 

Let’s honor his legacy not just with rallies but with ongoing action. Let’s keep the momentum going and keep getting into good trouble together.