Our vital work at the Cesar Chavez Foundation is guided by our conviction to stand shoulder to shoulder with immigrants and working families to battle together against unforeseeable hardships and discouraging odds.

The fear and outrage following brutal raids by heavily armed ICE agents on innocent workers and families in peaceful communities throughout the country– most recently in Los Angeles communities—is nothing short of disheartening. SEIU California President David Huerta was injured and arrested while witnessing one raid. “Our community is under attack and has been terrorized,” declared Angelica Salas, executive director of the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA), who we honored with the Cesar Chavez Legacy Award in 2023.

I recall the trauma of immigrating as a young child from Mexico, undocumented and penniless. These dark times force us to think hard about what more we can—and must—do to stand up for our beliefs and principles. As a start, we at the Cesar Chavez Foundation vehemently reject the needless and violent acts we are witnessing.

Let us draw upon our combined strength and power during these difficult times.

Manuel H. Bernal
President and Chief Executive Officer
Cesar Chavez Foundation