Fight Back News Service is circulating the following statement from the Committee to Stop FBI Repression.

The Committee to Stop FBI Repression is calling on organizations across the US to join a National Day of Action on August 7 and to demand that the charges on Alejandro Orellana be dropped. There is no crime in protesting ICE and deportations, protecting protesters, and speaking out against Trump’s anti-immigrant policies.

On August 7, Alejandro Orellana, an immigrants rights activist and leader in Centro Community Service Organization in East Los Angeles, will have his final pre-trial hearing. He currently faces two bogus federal charges, one of conspiracy and another to commit disorder, and is looking at up to five years in prison for protesting ICE raids in LA. The trial itself will begin on August 26.

The prosecutor and law enforcement allege that Orellana drove a truck carrying personal protective equipment (PPE) and face shields to anti-ICE protests and that this constitutes a conspiracy to commit a crime. But in our view, there is nothing wrong with bringing face shields to protests while police are shooting rubber bullets and tear gas into crowds.

In multiple instances, police have taken out protesters’ eyes with rubber bullets. Federal agents have been flouting due process, raiding workplaces and parking lots, and arresting hundreds of immigrant workers, like the 200 immigrants arrested off farms in Camarillo, California, while police brutalize protesters.

Orellana has done nothing wrong. He has dedicated over 10 years of his life to demanding justice for Chicanos and Latinos who were killed by police or who were deported. He has opposed unjust wars, and he has spoken up again and again for what is right. He represents a political threat to the Trump administration, and that is the sole reason he is being targeted.

On the other hand, the US Attorney Bilal Essayli represents the opposite. He is pursuing charges against other anti-ICE protesters, including the union president of the SEIU California, David Huerta. Huerta was held in custody on a $50,000 bail. Essayli defended Trump’s decision to use the California National Guard to quell the LA protests. Essayli carries out the MAGA agenda full-force, and he is Trump’s man in California.

It is in the interest of everyone who believes in civil liberties, the right to free speech, and the right to freedom of assembly, to demand that the charges on Orellana be dropped. Neither protesting Trump, nor ICE, nor deportations, should ever be a crime.

On August 7, we are asking everyone to:

1. Organize a protest for August 7 at a federal building, federal courthouse, or local ICE office, to demand that the US government drop the charges on Alejandro Orellana.

2. Call U.S. Attorney Bilal Essayli on August 7 at 213-894-2400 and demand that the charges be dropped.

3. If you are in an organization, release a solidarity statement to demand that the charges be dropped.

4. Donate to the legal fund: Venmo @CentroCSO or Zelle CSO at: +1 (323) 580-3764

You can find flyers, materials, and case updates for Alejandro Orellana at www.stopfbi.org, on this page. Keep scrolling to find the downloadable materials.

#InJusticeSystem #PoliticalRepression #StopFBI #FBI #CSFR #ImmigrantRights #ICE #AlejandroOrellana #CentroCSO #Feature

Denver, CO – On the evening of June 27, Aurora Unidos CSO, Denver-Aurora Community Action Committee (DACAC), and rank-and-file Teamsters gathered outside the Byron Rogers Federal Building to demand that charges be dropped on Los Aneles immigrant rights activist Alejandro Orellana.

On June 12, the FBI raided Orellana’s home, supposedly for handing out masks as protection against police attacking his community. Speakers at the press conference made it clear that Orellana was being targeted for being active in the immigrant rights movement and for being a public voice against police crimes in East Los Angeles.

Members of Aurora Unidos CSO and DACAC gave speeches calling for the bogus charges on Orellana to be dropped. Caleb Cobb, a Teamster, talked about Orellana’s organizing as a fellow rank-and-file worker, ending by saying, “We have a duty as union members to stand up to all attacks against workers.”

Ella Rydwell with DACAC spoke about the repression Angela Davis faced from the FBI and the international struggle for her freedom, connecting that fight to the one being waged today for Orellana. A common theme among the speakers was that protesting is not a crime and that Orellana was only looking to defend his community.

#DenverCO #CO #InJusticeSystem #FBI #AlejandroOrellana #StopFBI #CSFR #L4A #CentroCSO #DCAC #AUCSO #ImmigrantRights #ICE

Chicago, IL – On Friday, June 27, allies of the Los Angeles group Centro CSO gathered at noon in downtown Chicago for a press conference and rally in support of CSO immigrant rights activists Alejandro Orellana and Verita Topete. Orellana and Topete have been targeted by the FBI in the weeks since the Los Angeles protests against ICE raids.

“We’re here to demand that the federal charges against Alejandro Orellana be dropped,” Joe Iosbaker of the Committee to Stop FBI Repression, said. “Raids and federal grand juries are attacks on progressive movements, on our freedom to speak, to assemble, and to tell the government that their actions and their policies are wrong.”

On June 12, the FBI broke into Orellana’s house, and he was arrested. He is now charged with “conspiracy to commit civil disorder” and “aiding and abetting civil disorder.” These are federal offenses usually reserved for firearms infractions and carry a maximum sentence of five years. Orellana has been accused of helping to distribute face shields to fellow protesters during the LA rallies.

On June 26, the FBI ambushed Topete in a public park while she was walking her dog, executing a search warrant and seizing her phone. The reasons for taking Topete’s phone have yet to be made public.

“We’re demanding an end to the attacks on protesters,” said Iosbaker. “Protesting ICE raids and deportations is not a crime.”

Joining the Committee to Stop FBI Repression at the press conference was the Chicago Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression’s Immigrant Rights Working Committee, Casa DuPage Worker’s Center, the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights, and the United States Palestinian Community Network.

The press conference was planned in support of the National Day of Action called for by the Legalization for All network. Included in the press conference was an ask for call-ins to federal prosecutor Bill Essayli’s office to demand the charges be dropped.

#ChicagoIL #IL #ImmigrantRights #InJusticeSystem #PoliticalRepression #L4A #CSFR #StopFBI #AlejandroOrellana #VeritaTopete #FBI #ICE #CentroCSO #Feature

Tampa, FL – On a loud and busy intersection in front of Sam Gibbons Federal Courthouse on Friday morning, June 27, members of three groups – Tampa Immigrants Rights Committee, Tampa Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression, and Tampa Bay Students for a Democratic Society – gathered to rally in solidarity with two Los Angeles activists targeted by the FBI for their political beliefs and for standing with their communities. They read statements in in solidarity with Alejandro Orellana and Verita Topete.

The rally was held in conjunction with rallies across the country demanding the Los Angeles U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli drop the charges against Orellana.

As the speakers explained, Orellana was arrested by the FBI on June 12, during the height of the uprising in LA, on the bogus and absurd charges of “conspiracy to commit civil disturbance” and “aiding and abetting a civil disorder.” Vertia Topete was ambushed and roughed up by FBI agents who took her phone to further harass immigrant rights activists.

Both Orellana and Topete are longtime members of Centro CSO. The federal government uses conspiracy charges, as they did with a case of political repression local to the Tampa area, the Uhuru 3, when they cannot prove an actual crime has occurred and want to punish someone for their political beliefs.

Joe Nohava with Tampa Immigrants’ Rights Committee declared, “We believe Alejando has done nothing wrong. He is targeted for protesting ICE raids and deportations. We believe that protesting ICE is not a crime!”

Laura Rodriguez, with TAARPR, said of this repression, “These charges were brought by the FBI who has the sole intent of destroying community organizing, of destroying people power, of destroying our rights and civil liberties.”

The rally concluded with a call to continue to protest and stand with Orellana throughout his court process and trial and demand the charges be dropped.

#TampaFL #FL #InJusticeSystem #PoliticalRepression #ImmigrantRights #FBI #ICE #StopFBI #AlejandroOrellana #VertiaTopete

Minneapolis, MN – Immigrant rights protesters gathered at Lake Street and Bloomington Avenue in Minneapolis June 27. This action was part of a National Day of Action called by the Legalization for All Network and the Committee to Stop FBI Repression.

The protest also demanded charges be dropped against Isavela Lopez here in Minneapolis. Lopez was arrested in the aftermath of the federal militarized operation at Lake Street and Bloomington Avenue in on June 3, in which ICE participated along with several other federal agencies and local police. While protesting that operation in the heart of the immigrant community, Lopez was brutalized by law enforcement, then later she was arrested by federal officers and hit with legal charges.

The Minnesota Immigrant Rights Action Committee (MIRAC) organized the Minneapolis protest together with the Committee to Stop FBI Repression (CSFR). They will continue to organize and demand that charges be dropped against people exercising their right to protest the brutal and unjust actions of Trump and ICE.

#MinneapolisMN #MN #InJusticeSystem #FBIRepression #AlejandroOrellana #ImmigrantRights #MIRAC #LegalizationForAll #L4A #CSFR

Jacksonville, FL – Chants of “Drop the charges!” echoed outside the federal courthouse Thursday, June 27, as dozens of protesters stood in solidarity with Alejandro Orellana, a Los Angeles immigrant rights organizer facing politically-motivated federal charges. The powerful demonstration coincided with Orellana's first scheduled court hearing since his June 12 arrest by FBI agents targeting his activism against ICE raids.

“Drop the charges on Alejandro. Stop the FBI witch hunt,” declared one speaker at the rally. “We just wanna be out here fighting for the same things that other people are fighting for.”

The Jacksonville action joined nationwide protests supporting Orellana, a leader with the Chicano community organization Centro CSO who faces up to five years in prison on dubious “conspiracy” charges. His arrest came amid a sweeping FBI crackdown on immigrant rights activists, including last week's aggressive execution of a search warrant on fellow Centro CSO organizer Verita Topete in Los Angeles.

Protesters drew direct connections to Florida's own anti-immigrant climate, where state and local officials have embraced harsh deportation policies. Signs reading “Protesting is not a crime” and “Stop the deportations” filled the courthouse plaza as speakers highlighted how Orellana's case represents a dangerous escalation in criminalizing dissent.

The crowd included a coalition of activist groups, labor organizers, and students who see Orellana's prosecution as a warning shot against all resistance to deportation forces. Many drew parallels to Jacksonville's own struggles against ICE's 287(g) program and recent anti-immigrant ordinances proposed by city council.

“When armed forces come into our restaurants, our court hearings, our streets, our homes, resistance is the only sane response!” said Gonzalo Kleinick, an organizer with the Jacksonville Immigrant Rights Alliance.

As Orellana's legal battle continues, Jacksonville's protest served notice that attacks on immigrant defenders will be met with growing resistance. Organizers urged continued pressure on U.S. Attorney Bilal Essayli to drop all charges against Orellana and to stop FBI repression of organizers.

#JacksonvilleFL #FL #InJusticeSystem #PoliticalRepression #ImmigrantRights #JIRA #CentroCSO #AlejandroOrellana

The Legalization for All (L4A) Network is calling on all affiliated immigrant rights organizations and supporters to mobilize an action in support of Alejandro Orellana on June 27th, or participate in a national call-in day against U.S. Attorney Bilal “Bill” Essayli.

Immigrant rights hero Alejandro Orellana (he/they) of East Los Angeles was violently raided in early morning by the FBI, National Guard, and the East Los Angeles Sheriffs on June 12th. A member of Centro Community Service Organization (CSO) for nearly a decade, Alejandro has mobilized countless actions for immigrant and worker rights. He was born and raised in East LA, attended local schools, and has no record. Alejandro became inspired when they were in the U.S. Marines reserve and witnessed how Trump’s first administration was targeting activists who were fighting back against police brutality of Chicanos, African Americans, and the working-class. He is also a proud Teamster union member.

Alejandro is being charged by the Federal U.S. Attorney Bilal Essayli with “conspiracy to commit civil disorders” and “aiding and abetting to commit civil disorders.” These felony charges could land Alejandro in prison for 5 years! Alejandro has done nothing wrong, speaking out against ICE terror, raids and deportations is not a crime, protesting is not a crime! As Chicanos, Mexicanos, Centroamericanos around the country are being racially profiled and viscously kidnapped, activists like Alejandro have every right to speak out.

Their next hearing is set for June 27th in Los Angeles, and this is why we are calling on all to mobilize a solidarity action or to pick up their phones. We are asking that all call Attorney Essayli at (213) 894-2400. Read the following, “My name is (your name) from (your city and / or organization), demanding that Attorney Bill drop the charges against immigrant rights hero Alejandro Orellana!”

Protesting is not a crime, fighting against ICE terror is not a crime! Legalization for all and stop the ICE raids now!

Drop the Charges on Alejandro Orellana!

#ImmigrantRights #L4A #Statement #AlejandroOrellana #StopFBI #FBI #PoliticalRepression #InJusticeSystem

Los Angeles, CA – El viernes, 13 de junio, Alejandro Orellana, un activista de derechos inmigrantes quien fue arrestado por la FBI, fue liberado de custodia federal.

La mañana anterior la FBI, con el apoyo de la guardia nacional y el departamento de sherifes de Los Ángeles, invadieron el hogar de Orellana en el Este de Los Ángeles y arrestaron a Alejandro, un por vida miembro de Centro CSO, con cargos de “conspiración de cometer desorden criminal.”

En una corte llena con su familia, apoyadores, y miembros del Centro CSO, Orellana se levantó fuertemente contra los ridículos cargos. El procurador EE.UU trató de hacer que el juez ordenará a Orellana alejarse del centro de LA pero esa orden fue rechazada.

Aplausos se levantaron mientras Orellana salía del edificio federal y corte estadounidense Edward R. Roybal en el centro de Los Ángeles. El abrazo a su madre y miembros del Centro CSO gritaron, “Sí se puede!”

Orellana agradeció a todos, diciendo que la corte llena ayudó con su caso. Mientras caminaba fuera del edificio, Alex decía, “Protestar no es un crimen y cuando el pueblo se une así, todo es posible.”

Centro CSO después tuvo una conferencia de prensa para publicar esta victoria y continuar a demandar que todos los cargos sean bajados. Carlos Montes, un activista de la vida y líder de Centro CSO, apuntó la ironía de que Orellana fue encerrado en un edificio nombrado después de Roybal, uno de los miembros originales de CSO en los 1940s.

Luis Sifuentes, un buen amigo de Orellana y miembro de Centro CSO, dijo, “Nosotros nos hemos conocido desde la high school, y hace diez años nos unimos a la lucha de CSO contra el terror y la represión de la policía. Alex ahora es libre, pero pararemos de luchar hasta que sus cargos sean bajados!”

Nadia y Verita Topete, mientras de Centro CSO quienes su padre fue detenido por ICE, hablaron en contra de la redadas que están aterrorizando comunidades inmigrantes en Los Ángeles. Avery Raimondo repitió que CSO no se alejaría hasta con represión y continuarán de dirigir protestas hasta que ICE y la guardia nacional se vayan de LA.

La próxima audiencia de Orellana será el 27 de junio. Centro CSO estará desarrollando una campaña para bajar los cargos contra Orellana. Donaciones para apoyar la defensa legal pueden ser mandados en el Venmo de CSO @CentroCSO o en Zelle: +1 (323) 580-3764

#LosAngelesCA #CA #InJusticeSystem #ImmigrantRights #PoliticalRepression #AlejandroOrellana

Fight Back News Service is circulating the following statement from the National Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression. Orellana has been released from jail and the NAARPR is working to support his defense.

Statement Demanding the Release of Alejandro Orellana

On June 12th, FBI agents arrested Alejandro Orellana, a member of Centro CSO, a branch of the National Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression based in the Boyle Heights neighborhood of Los Angeles, for providing aid to the community being tear-gassed. Orellana’s arrest comes the same day Senator Alex Padilla was violently assaulted at a Homeland Security press conference. We condemn Orellana’s arrest as a clear example of racist and political repression. After immense community pressure led by the Centro CSO, Orellana was released the following day! The power of the people are driving ICE back and freeing people like Orellano, and it will be the power of the people that get Orellano’s charges dropped!

From its role in the killing and imprisonment of Black Panthers to its current role targeting activists organizing against racist ICE raids and deportations in predominantly Chicano and Latino neighborhoods, the FBI remains a vicious weapon of repression deployed against the movements of oppressed peoples.

The struggle is sharp in Los Angeles. The repression is intensifying, and the Trump administration is making it clear they have no plans to loosen up. Now is the time to stand in unconditional solidarity with Orellana, the people of Los Angeles, and with all immigrant communities under attack. Anything less than solidarity with Orellana and immigrant and Chicano communities would be a victory for the enemy, the same enemy responsible for the racist policing that kills record numbers every year.

We are entering another major wave of struggle. The only way to not be washed away by it is to take it to the streets and continue working with the broader masses opposing these racist raids and deportations and the Trump agenda. The struggle continues, and NAARPR will do all it can to defend Orellana and those being targeted by the Trump agenda.

Call U.S. Attorney Bilal Essayli at 213-894-2400 and tell him to drop the charges! We also encourage all our chapters and affiliates to participate in the Legalization For All’s Week of Action June 14-22, calling for ICE and the National Guard to get out of our communities and for Orellana’s charges to be dropped!

Drop the charges!

ICE out of everywhere!

Community Control of the Police now!

#ImmigrantsRights #LosAngelesCA #CentroCSO #InJusticeSystem #PoliticalRepression #AlejandroOrellana #NAARPR #StopFBI #CSFR #L4A #FBI #ICE