Los Angeles, CA – On June 17 at approximately 2 p.m., a cold-storage facility erupted in flames. Tremendous black clouds causing a burning of the eyes and throat covered the skies of East Los Angeles and the Boyle Heights neighborhood. Confusion was observed as people stepped out of their homes to look up at the sky, initially suspecting a thunderstorm, only to discover a capitalist crime in action.

The fire was at Lineage Logistics, the headquarters to more than a dozen other, smaller Los Angeles Lineage warehouses. It was situated between the two Chicano, working-class neighborhoods of East Los Angeles and Boyle Heights. The massive building was 491,000 square feet and was built in 2018. 85 million pounds of food were being stored in this facility, making their environment danger a biohazard one.

A recent finding states that a routine testing of the thousands of solar panels on the roof of the building caused the fire. The cause of the burning sensation and hospital visits was due to a warehouse ammonia pipe off-gassing into the air. How long the off-gassing occurred is a mystery.

On the day of the fire, a very brief evacuation order was sent out to the immediate surrounding area but was removed within the hour. The nearest neighborhoods to the warehouse did not receive text alerts, but neighborhoods outside of the immediate area did. A shelter-in-place order was announced during a press conference on June 17, but not much else.

For three days, the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) attempted to put out the Lineage flames. It wasn’t until day three that LA Mayor Karen Bass finally decided to declare a state of emergency. Bass, the LAFD, and other officials have even said that the air is not toxic unless, “People have respiratory issues or come into direct contact with the ammonia.”

City council began to distribute air purifiers and organizations like Centro CSO, People’s Care Collective, Proyecto Pastoral, and the Boyle Heights Immigrant Rights Network (BHIRN), took on the task of delivering air purifiers and P100 respirators to the most vulnerable. Ammonia and plastic particles are too small to be properly filtered if using an N95 mask.

A lineage of environmental racism

The Eastside of Los Angeles and cities like Vernon are no stranger to environmental disasters. East LA has a neighborhood population of 112,000, Boyle Heights 85,000, and while Vernon itself only houses about 300 residents, during working hours there are 55,000 employees on its industrial grounds.

Starting in the 1940s, investors and developers built five major freeways through Boyle Heights: I-5, I-10, US-101, and SR-60. Their construction displaced about 15,000 working-class people and destroyed over 2000 homes.

The area is a Superfund site. Superfund sites are areas declared as highly polluted, requiring long-term (sometimes permanent) cleanup. This is due to the highly hazardous materials, as designated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The reason this area became a Superfund site was because of the former Exide Technologies plant in Vernon. For more than 90 years, the battery recycling facility caused plumes of lead and arsenic emissions that rained all over the residents in the surrounding areas. These plumes heavily contaminated the surrounding soil and groundwater and any recent efforts to clean up the hazardous materials have been found to be ineffective.

In 2020, jet fuel from Delta Flight 89 rained on five elementary schools and one high school. Park Avenue Elementary School in Cudahy called 911 and during their call the children cried out in agony and reported that they “Could feel the fuel on their clothes, flesh, eyes and skin” and it caused them “to feel sick, dizzy and nauseated.” Over 60 children were hospitalized and treated and crews rushed to clean the jet fuel from the schools. Cudahy is located in southeastern Los Angeles.

Also in 2020, after an accident at the Lineage warehouse (the one that is currently on fire), Cal/OSHA cited Lineage for 12 violations. Four violations were regarding failure to create/maintain emergency action plans and inadequate safety training for ammonia refrigeration, and other hazardous materials. In the past five years, Lineage has had over 40 Cal/OSHA violations.

In 2024, the same Lineage warehouse first caught fire. It was put out within 48 hours. Also in 2024, another Lineage warehouse in Finley, Washington burned for over 60 days. Only there, the immediate surrounding residents were evacuated for more than a day and residential streets were closed down. The smell of rotting meat and food filled the air for months as the warehouse was bulldozed, debris shoveled and transported away.

An underground crude oil pipeline exploded in East Los Angeles on May 22, 2026, when a construction crew installing a fiber optic line struck a pipe near East Cesar Chavez and North Eastern Avenues. The accident spilled thousands of gallons of crude oil, for days, onto the streets, forcing road closures. The oil seeped into the Los Angeles River and residents reported dizziness and strong chemical odors in the area.

The truth is that none of this environmental racism happens to folks who don’t live in impoverished, Chicano neighborhoods of SoCal. And if it did, a state of emergency would not have been declared three long days later. Lawsuits riddled Lineage as it departed from Finley, Washington. The fire caused permanent damage to the airways and lungs. But what will happen to the gente residing directly next to the current Lineage fire?

If you want to join the air purifier and respirator distribution, reach out to Centro CSO. They are gearing up to hold a community meeting to put pressure on the corporation responsible for the situation: Lineage. Proyecto Pastoral is accepting monetary donations so that they can acquire more air purifiers, and without the bureaucratic stops that government officials’ distributions always have.

Billionaire corporations like Lineage will continue building similar warehouses and causing havoc in their paths. The only way to make them fully pay is to overthrow the rich in this country and seize control of the means of production and distribution – and that includes their warehouses.

Sol Marquez is a longtime member of the Freedom Socialist Organization (FRSO). To join, go to FRSO.org/join to become a member.

#LosAngelesCA #CA #PeoplesStruggles #OppressedNationalities #ChicanoLatino #FRSO #Environment #Fires #EnvironmentalRacism

Santa Ana, CA – The Santa Ana Police Department (SAPD) shot and killed an unnamed 16-year-old inside his own apartment on Sunday, June 14. SAPD released multiple statements to justify the killing hours before caution tape came down or police had even left the scene. This killing happened just four and a half months after the last teenager, 18-year-old Chicano Victor Lopez, was killed by SAPD.

On Monday, June 15, Community Service Organization Orange County (CSO OC) members investigated the apartment complex to learn more about the victim.

Police said they were called about a family disturbance. Reports said the 53-year-old boyfriend of the “suspect’s” mother reported that the 16-year-old had stabbed him with a knife, was “under the influence” and was “vandalizing property.” When they arrived, police said they told the teenager to drop the knife and when he refused, they shot him.

But the public has a right to be skeptical. Police often use these reports to justify their killings, calling their victims suspects, emphasizing how dangerous they are, and focusing on drug use and property damage to mark people for death. The public never gets the bigger picture behind the story. And police never ask if they could solve the problem without violence.

CSO OC members went door to door to learn what happened from neighbors and to connect with the impacted family. Multiple neighbors said they heard police breaking down a door. One said she heard between ten and 20 gunshots, and a mother crying out, “You killed my baby!” CSO OC met members of the family weeping just feet away from their taped-off complex. These details start to paint a different picture from the story the police project in their social media and local news outlets.

CSO OC will be having a protest on behalf of the family and all victims of police crimes in Santa Ana on Friday, June 19 at 6 p.m. at the intersection of W McArthur Boulevard and S Main Street.

These victims include people like 18-year-old Victor Lopez, who just four months earlier was chased by SAPD into a parking structure. But what SAPD failed to mention was that it was his own apartment complex, or that they shot Lopez three times in the back while he was attempting to surrender. They do not mention that Lopez was driving with his fiancé and one-year-old son. Instead, they focus on a firearm he dropped while exiting the vehicle, which is not a death sentence, and the firearm was not used. SAPD claims it does not need to release more body camera footage to the public but faces yet another civil rights lawsuit for the police killing.

All of this is why CSO OC fights for community control of the police. We have a basic right to decide on all police matters where we live. That includes the ability to have independent and transparent investigations into these killings, and the ability to hold police accountable for killing our children. If you would like to meet us or would like our support as an organization, please reach out at Instagram, Facebook, or email at orangecountycso@gmail.com.

#SantaAnaCA #CA #InJusticeSystem #KillerCops #OppressedNationalities #ChicanoLatino #CSOOC

Los Angeles, CA – On the morning of June 11, a Chicano man was shot and killed by the California Highway Patrol. The homicide occurred on a stretch of the 101 Freeway in Boyle Heights. The freeway closed for several hours. The person who was shot was later reported to be dead. Video of the shooting surfaced online showing a CHP cop with a gun drawn on a man.

Also, on June 9, a Chicano man was also shot in Boyle Heights, this time by LAPD. Video showed the man lying on the ground in need of medical attention after being shot, while the cops were just standing around. This person was finally taken to a hospital where they were reported to be in critical condition. As always with police shootings, little is known as cops delay and withhold releasing information.

Two shootings by police in two days is alarming, especially when LAPD is the most murderous police force in the United States, killing at least 166 people in the period of 2013-2022. LAPD is particularly deadly in Boyle Heights, where LAPD has shot at least 20 people since 2016. In 2016, LAPD shot and killed five Chicanos in Boyle Heights.

Centro CSO, alongside the impacted Chicano families, have been on the frontlines fighting back against police terror. The murder of the man who was shot on June 11 by California Highway Patrol officers is now being investigated by the Attorney General under Assembly Bill 1506, which investigates police shootings of unarmed people.

Centro CSO will continue to keep a close eye on these two shootings and will report any new information they find.

#LosAngelesCA #CA #InJusticeSystem #KillerCops #OppressedNationalities #ChicanoLatino #CentroCSO

Los Angeles, CA — On the morning of April 29, Centro Community Service Organization (CSO) and other organizations announced the 11th Annual May Day rally.

The press conference took place at Mariachi Plaza, with live music and speeches. Speakers announced that a celebration and march of International Workers Day is set to take place in Boyle Heights at 3 p.m., May 1, at Mariachi Plaza. The event will include live music, resource tables and a march to downtown.

Reuben Navarrete, a Teamster, stated, “We want to unite all workers on May Day. Teamsters are made up of immigrants, and we will continue to be immigrants! This is why our demands on Friday will include legalization for all as well as stop the war on Iran. Join us on May Day!”

The resonating demands of this year’s May Day in Boyle Heights include: “Workers: stand up, fight back! ¡Raza si, guerra no! Legalization for all! No kids in cages! Stop police brutality! Fund public education!”

Led by CSO members Roberto Anguiano and Verita Topete, the press conference previewed what is to come on May 1.

Gabriel Quiroz Jr, who helps lead the Police Accountability Committee of Centro CSO remembered the 2007 May Day in Los Angeles. Quiroz Jr. said, “In 2007, I was a young Chicano at my first protest. It took place at MacArthur Park. I had never seen so much Raza and I remember thinking how powerful Chicanos can be when we are organized. As a youth I knew that type of Chicano power intimidated the system and that is why LAPD repressed the peaceful protest. That continues to happen today, but we keep fighting and the Chicano movement is only getting stronger.”

Other speakers were Pat Alviso of Military Speaks Out, Takoune Norasingh of Veterans for Peace, Kathy Carreño of IMMIGO, Enrique Velasquez of Proyecto Pastoral, and Sol Márquez of Freedom Road Socialist Organization.

Enrique Velasquez with Proyecto Pastoral said, “It is important to express our anger and discontent with the current administration. We are against the terror they have inflicted on our low-income and immigrant communities. We hope to see you Friday!”

If you are interested in attending this year’s annual and peaceful May Day in Boyle Heights, join the event on Friday, May 1 at 3 p.m.. The program begins at 4 p.m. and the march is planned for 5 p.m.

#LosAngelesCA #CA #ImmigrantRights #Labor #MayDay #CentroCSO #ChicanoLatino

Los Ángeles, CA – Durante las primeras horas de la mañana del 1 de abril, oficiales del Departamento del Sheriff del Este de Los Ángeles le dispararon y mataron a Erik Torres, de 29 años, mientras él atravesaba una crisis de salud mental. Aunque Torres no estaba armado y necesitaba ayuda, los oficiales lo asesinaron.

Los medios de comunicación locales reportaron incorrectamente que hubo un intercambio de disparos entre Torres y los oficiales, lo que provocó un enfrentamiento de varias horas. Sin embargo, este informe inicial de que Torres estaba armado y de que hubo un intercambio de disparos con los oficiales ha resultado ser falso.

El caso ahora está siendo investigado por el Departamento de Justicia de California y el Fiscal General Rob Bonta, conforme a la Ley 1506 de la Asamblea de California (AB 1506), la cual exige que el departamento investigue “todos los incidentes de disparos en el estado que involucren a un oficial y que resulten en la muerte de un civil desarmado”, según el sitio web de la Oficina del Fiscal General.

Incluso los oficiales del Departamento del Sheriff de Los Ángeles han tenido que admitir esto: Erik Torres no tenía un arma cuando le dispararon y lo mataron, y no hubo ningún “intercambio de disparos”. El Departamento del Sheriff de Los Ángeles asesinó a sangre fría a Erick Torres.

Después del fatal tiroteo, miembros de Centro CSO se pusieron en contacto con la familia, quienes de inmediato rechazaron la narrativa que impulsaban los medios y el departamento. El hermano de Torres dejó claro que los oficiales del Departamento del Sheriff habían respondido regularmente a llamadas en la residencia de los Torres y estaban al tanto de los problemas de salud mental de su hermano. La noche del incidente, la familia les informó a los oficiales que Torres no estaba armado, pero los oficiales ignoraron esta información y lo mataron a pesar de eso.

Chicanos en el Este de la ciudad saben muy bien que la Estación del Sheriff del Este de Los Ángeles – hogar de la pandilla Banditos – es famosa por el comportamiento agresivo y violento de sus oficiales y por su larga historia de matar a jóvenes chicanos. Oficiales de la Estación del Este de Los Ángeles han matado en el pasado a personas sufriendo crisis de salud mental, en lugar de brindarles la ayuda que merecen.

#LosAngelesCA #CA #InJusticeSystem #OppressedNationalities #ChicanoLatino #CentroCSO

Los Angeles, CA — On March 12, after nearly a month of struggle by Centro Community Service Organization (CSO) the bogus charges on Sergio Flores were dropped. After CSO’s general meeting on February 18, Flores was violently arrested by LAPD Hollenbeck along with two other CSO members.

Sergio Flores is the older brother of Jeremy Anthony Flores, who was killed by LAPD Hollenbeck Division cops on July 14, 2025. Jeremey Flores was unarmed when he was gunned down by LAPD. His body was left out in the hot summer sun for hours, before coroners removed it. Later lying about the facts, LAPD has justified the senseless killing. The Flores family and Centro CSO have demanded justice for Jeremy Flores, leading rallies and protests at the LAPD Hollenbeck station.

On the night of February 18, the LAPD targeted and beat the family of Jeremy Anthony Flores and multiple CSO members. Responding with guns drawn to a mental health crisis outside of the meeting place, LAPD did not allow CSO members to leave. As members asked if they could get to their cars and go home, LAPD hit and jabbed them with batons, leaving very large bruises.

“The arrest of Sergio Flores on February 18 was absolutely unnecessary,” said Jocelyn Ortega, the wife of Sergio Flores. “The aggression and intimidation tactics which led to physical violence and the arrest made to Sergio, were unjust and an abuse of power.”

The arrest and charges brought upon Sergio Flores were intimidation tactics used by LAPD to scare CSO to stop them from using their voices to fight for justice.

CSO mobilized to free the CSO 3. They protested many times at the LAPD Hollenbeck Station to demand the release of their members and for the charges to be dropped. They organized call-ins to the district attorney and the city attorney demanding that they drop the charges. When they weren’t released, CSO led court support of their members. Not backing down in the face of political repression, they publicly and loudly fought back.

On March 12, Sergio Flores had a scheduled court date. CSO quickly learned that neither the district attorney nor city attorney were picking up the case against Sergio Flores, meaning LAPD’s attempt to silence CSO had failed and they had no justification to charge Flores. The other two CSO members similarly had no charges either and are also free.

Jocelyn Ortega, the wife of Flores who attended the court appearance, said, “The arrest and charges brought upon Sergio Flores was the intimidation tactic used by LAPD to scare the peaceful protesters from Centro. They tried to stop us from using our voices and from fighting for justice. The charges presented against Sergio were dropped due to the over exaggeration of the truth, which clearly showed he did no wrong.”

It is important to note that, while CSO 3 are free and uncharged, the authorities could still charge them at any point. To join CSO, send them a message online or attend their monthly, public meetings. General meetings are every third Wednesday of the month, 6 p.m. at Boyle Heights City Hall (back entrance).

Fight Back! interviewed Sergio Flores and this is what he had to say.

Fight Back!: What angers you about what happened on February 18?

Sergio Flores: Something that angers me about the 18th was the way we were attacked and assaulted by LAPD, from kids to adults.

Fight Back! What has it been like to go through this injustice?

Flores: To go through this battle is stressful, because we know the system will always back up its corrupt departments. But when we fight, we win!

Fight Back! What was it like being jailed by LAPD Hollenbeck?

Flores: Being jailed by LAPD for me wasn’t the end of the world because I was always taught to stand up for people being attacked like they did to our people, but at the same time you gotta be alert at all times because you don’t know what they’re thinking, to put hands on you or whatever the case may be.

Fight Back! Why do you think no charges were filed on you?

Flores: I think no charges were filed on me because they were bogus charges to begin with. They know they started with violence! And while they used batons, we used our words and voices.

Fight Back! What is your advice for others in similar and unjust situations, such as yours?

Flores: My advice for others is to not be afraid of the pigs. Stand up for what you believe in. Open your eyes to how much corruption there is in the Los Angeles police departments and to get involved with an organization, because these are our streets and we see what goes on – they don’t protect us We protect us.

#LosAngelesCA #CA #InJusticeSystem #OppressedNationalities #ChicanoLatino #CentroCSO

Los miembros de Centro CSO estaban saliendo de su reunión mensual cuando el LAPD respondió a una situación de salud mental. El incidente estaba directamente afuera del lugar de la reunión, que es en la alcaldía de Boyle Heights. Los miembros de CSO intentaban llegar a sus carros en el estacionamiento cuando el LAPD los paró de regresar a sus casas.

Tras salir de la alcaldía, el LAPD enfrentó a los miembros de CSO con agresión y los policías proclamaron que no se movieran. Un grupo de policías reconocieron a la hermana de 16 años de Jeremy Anthony Flores, y empezaron a acosarla y luego la arrestaron. Jeremy Flores fue disparado y asesinado por la misma división el 14 de julio de 2025. Además de eso, el hermano mayor de Flores, Sergio Flores, fue atacado y arrestado. El miembro de base de los Teamsters, Sam Carrera, también fue arrestado sin razón.

La madre de Jeremy Anthony Flores, Isabella Rivera, fue golpeada por un bastón de mando del LAPD, y fue empujada y detenida por los mismos policías que asesinaron a su hijo el verano pasado. Katherine Palma, quien es la hermana de Flores, fue tirada al piso por un grupo de policías del LAPD.

Centro CSO se movilizó inmediatamente y tuvieron una protesta al otro lado de la calle donde ocurrieron los arrestos, agrupándose en la División Hollenbeck del LAPD. Más de una docena de miembros gritaron y exigieron la liberación de sus miembros.

Centro CSO logró que la menor fuera liberada esa misma noche. La próxima mañana a las 7 a.m., Sergio Flores fue liberado. Sin embargo, un activista sigue detenido: Teamster y miembro de CSO, Sam Carrera. Está siendo acusado de resistencia al arresto, un cargo que es conocido por ser completamente vago.

Centro CSO está recaudando fondos para la fianza y el apoyo legal; puedes donar a través de Venmo “CentroCSO” o por Zelle: 323-580-3764

El Centro CSO hará una demostración de emergencia y una conferencia de prensa, el 19 de febrero a las 5 p.m. afuera de la estación de la División Hollenbeck del LAPD. ¡Exigimos la liberación de Sam Carrera y que retiren todos los cargos ahora!

#LosAngelesCA #CA #CentroCSO #L4A #InJusticeSystem #OppressedNationalities #ChicanoLatino

Santa Ana, CA – A large mural depicting Noe Rodriguez now stands in downtown Santa Ana. About 200 feet away, Rodriguez was killed by Santa Ana Police officers Luis Casillas and Isaac Ibarra on December 1, 2024.

Last Sunday, February 22, over 25 residents, including Noe's wife Erika Armenta and their daughters, celebrated the man Noe was in life. They, alongside many other impacted family members, demanded justice for his death. All speakers used Spanish, the primary language spoken by Noe and by many residents of Santa Ana.

Abraham Quintana from Community Service Organization (CSO OC) said, “We are united here today to commemorate Noe’s life in a mural that shows us and the world who he really was, and not the image that our enemies have tried painting. This mural was made possible by months of grassroots organizing and pressure, and especially Erika herself, who has fought tirelessly for justice for Noe Rodriguez. This mural is important not just as a victory, but as a sign that we are in a new stage of that struggle.”

Next to speak was Erika Armenta, the wife of Noe Rodriguez and a member of CSO OC, “Every step that we take, small as it may seem, is a big step towards a great change for our city. We represent those who do not have a voice nor a vote, and who the police are treating as criminals – including us! It has been a very difficult struggle because they are treating us as if we are against public safety.”

Armenta was referring to attacks by the Santa Ana Police Officers Association (SAPOA), which has smeared CSO as being “anti-public safety” while also spreading lies about its members. The SAPOA spends hundreds of thousands of dollars supporting politicians like Mayor Valerie Amezcua along with Councilmembers Phil Bacerra and David Penaloza, and tens of thousands supporting candidates to unseat progressive politicians on the city council. Armenta said, “They have tried to make our struggle impossible, but our strength to go forward is greater!”

Armenta concluded by saying, “Our unity as CSO has built a family. I feel very happy for my daughters: I asked them, ‘What is CSO?’ They told me that for them, it is a family. Because like a family, it supports us, it helps us. And it doesn’t matter that we’re not related by blood because we are in the same fight!”

Armenta also spoke on behalf of the family of Imanol Gonzalez. He was a 19-year-old Chicano from Santa Ana who was struck and killed by drunk, off-duty LAPD Sergeant Carlos Coronel on February 1, 2025. Coronel fled the scene without calling for medical help or alerting police. Imanol’s family, including his mother, Ariana Salvador, joined the mural unveiling. CSO demands that Sergeant Carlos Coronel be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. You can sign a petition to support these demands here.

The family of Albert Arzola also came to support. Albert Arzola was a 19-year-old Chicano who was killed by Anaheim PD on December 6, 2025. Officers profiled Arzola, leapt out of an unmarked car and chased him towards his front porch. One officer shot Arzola in the back and killed him, and police detained his family including small children for hours while they ransacked his home.

Albert Arzola’s mother, Rosie Camacho, said, “I am here to support everyone who has also suffered from police violence. We are not alone! We want justice! And we are going to have justice!” Camacho continued, saying “Whoever wronged us should not keep working for the law, because they already took the life of my son: Albert Arzola. We will not be silenced!” The Arzola family demands the release of all body camera footage from the incident, the release of the autopsy report, and the release of the officers’ names.

The mural of Noe Rodriguez was completed by artists Jose Ortiz and Esteban Ginez, who was present at the unveiling. CSO presented Ginez with a certificate of recognition for his work. Santa Ana City Councilmember Jonathan Hernandez helped commission the artists and secure the mural location. In 2021 Hernandez’s cousin, Brandon Lopez, was chased by Anaheim PD and killed in Santa Ana. Hernandez is a frequent target of Valerie Amezcua, Phil Bacerra and David Penaloza.

CSO closed the event with music by Banda Cuisillos de Arturo Macías, Noe’s favorite music, while Erika Armenta served pozole she prepared for the attendees. The mural symbolizes the dignity of Noe Rodriguez and other victims of police violence. It refuses to let the city forget what happened over one year ago to a 31-year-old working-class Chicano, a kind father and husband struggling to survive as many do in the Southwest.

The mural stands less than a mile from where other Chicanos were recently killed by police: Victor Lopez in 2026 and Miguel Chavez in 2022. But less well known is the racist lynching of Francisco Torres in 1892, only five minutes away. The long legacy of racist violence against Chicanos speaks to the other meaning of Noe’s mural – the struggle for Chicano Liberation continues. But as Erika Armenta said, “our strength to go forward is greater.”

#SantaAnaCA #CA #InJusticeSystem #OppressedNationalities #ChicanoLatino #CSOOC #NoeRodriguez

Los Angeles, CA – “Thank you to all for the support of the Teamster and beloved Centro CSO member Sam Carrera. Through the combined hard work, the LA District Attorney Nathan Hochman rejected the case against Carrera. Carrera was one of three arrested by LAPD on February 18,” noted a statement from the Chicano community group Centro Community Service Organization.

On the evening of February 18, LAPD Hollenbeck Division officers brutally assaulted and arrested multiple members of CSO. Sergio Flores, Sam Carrera and a minor individual were beaten with batons, shoved, and, without warning, arrested.

CSO members were leaving their monthly public meeting when LAPD responded to a mental health situation. The incident was directly outside of the meeting location, which is at Boyle Heights City Hall. A mentally ill man was holding a metal pipe and LAPD responded with weapons drawn and pointed at the man. After LAPD eventually arrested the man, CSO members were trying to get to their cars in the parking lot when the LAPD prevented them from going home. When tension rose between LAPD and CSO members, the officers attacked, clubbing and knocking over members of the crowd.

After the arrests, CSO and allies mobilized: two emergency protests, a call-in to the LAPD Metro jail, and a national call-in to pressure District Attorney Nathan Hochman to release Sam Carrera. That call was put out by the Committee to Stop FBI Repression (CSFR), with assistance from Freedom Road Socialization Organization.

Calls poured in all day to Nathan Hochman, filling the inbox multiple times. Due to the efforts of those who participated and protested, the CSO 3 are free

But the fight is not over. Sam Carrera could still be charged at any time. And LAPD Hollenbeck police have zeroed in on the Flores family.

Sergio Flores is being charged with a felony, 405(APC), but has done nothing wrong. LAPD Hollenbeck division murdered Jeremy Anthony Flores, the younger brother of Sergio Flores, in cold-blood on July 14, 2025. The Flores Family has been fierce in their fight for justice, and LAPD Hollenbeck is feeling the pressure. This is why they attacked the CSO meeting attendees. CSO will mobilize until the bogus charges on Sergio Flores are dropped.

Three other CSO members have been previously attacked by the government: Carlos Montes, Verita Topete and Alejandro Orellana. None of them did anything wrong. CSO asks that all who are interested in joining the fight to ensure that the charges on Sergio Flores be dropped now, stay connected with them. There will be many more events to follow.

Drop the charges now on Sergio Flores! Victory for the CSO 3!

#LosAngelesCA #CA #InJusticeSystem #OppressedNationalities #ChicanoLatino #CentroCSO #Featured

Los Angeles, CA – On Thursday, February 19, Boyle Heights community members came together at Hollenbeck Police Station to demand the release of Sammy Carrera and to drop the charges against the CSO 3, who LAPD attacked and arrested the night before.

Late on February 18, LAPD attacked members of Centro CSO who were trying to leave from their monthly general meeting and arrested Sergio Flores, Sammy Carrera, and a 16-year-old minor. Flores was released on the morning of February 19 and was charged with felony riot charges. Carrera has not been released yet and is being charged with resisting arrest.

“These cops, they’ve been targeting our youth, they’ve been targeting our people for years. They need to be held accountable,” said Jess Rivas, family member of Carrera, “His family misses him, his daughters are very sad, they’re in pain.”

At the protest, people spoke highly of Carrera and his legacy growing up and organizing in Boyle Heights, emphasizing how ridiculous it was that LAPD arrested him and is pressing bogus charges. Carrera is a third generation Boyle Heights resident and is raising his family in Boyle Heights. He participated in writing poetry at the cultural art center Corazón Del Pueblo and is an active member with Centro CSO. In 2021, Carrera’s portrait was even featured in a mural called “Somos Boyle Heights” located off of 1st Street.

Reuben Navarrete, a member of Teamsters 396, said of Carrera, “This guy’s got a heart of gold, not only is he an outstanding father and an amazing community organizer, and he’s one of the hardest working men I know. Sammy Carrera is the kind of guy who will work 12-hour days six days a week and still have time to come out and do a barrio walk.”

As the protest was winding down, a CSO member, one of many who had been beaten by LAPD the night before, attempted to go inside the station to file a police report on them. As soon as she and a few other people entered the station, officers inside forcefully pushed them back out the door.

A few minutes later, over 40 officers ran out in riot gear and used their batons to forcefully push back the crowd onto the sidewalk, creating a wall of officers to keep the protest off the property of the station.

Gabriel Quiroz Jr, who leads CSO’s police accountability work, made a spectacle out of the excessive display of force, and led a chant shouting the names of different young Chicanos who LAPD has killed in the last few years including Jose Mendez (killed by LAPD in 2019), Christian Escobedo (killed by LAPD in 2022), and Jeremy Flores (killed by LAPD in 2025).

Before ending the protest CSO members were able to repeat their demand to LAPD face to face – release Sammy Carrera, and drop the charges on the CSO 3!

Editor’s note: After an intense pressure campaign, Sammy Carrera was released without charges late in the afternoon, February 20.

#LosAngelesCA #CA #OppressedNationalities #ChicanoLatino #InJusticeSystem #CentroCSO

Los Angeles, CA – On Saturday, February 7, Centro Community Service Organization (CSO) alongside allies like La Mesa Nacional de Brown Berets, La Raza Unida Party and Freedom Road Socialist Organization held a protest at Mariachi Plaza demanding ICE out of Aztlán.

Called in commemoration of the 178th anniversary signing of the Treaty of Guadalupe-Hidalgo, the protest connected President Trump’s current attacks on immigrants to the long history of oppression that Chicanos have experienced within the United States.

Signed on February 2, 1848, the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo ended the Mexican-American War and transferred most of Northern Mexico – including the current states of Nevada, Utah, Arizona, New Mexico and California, as well as parts of Kansas, Oklahoma, Colorado and Wyoming – to the United States. Mexico also relinquished all claims to Texas. However, as speakers emphasized, the signing of the treaty also gave birth to the Chicano Nation and its long history of resistance.

Carlos Montes, a founder of the Brown Berets and a member of Centro CSO and Freedom Road Socialist Organization kicked off the rally by describing how he attended the First National Chicano Youth Liberation Conference in 1969 and heard the declaration of the Plan Espiritual de Aztlán. This experience helped him understand how the Chicano people were an oppressed nation within the United States.

Verita Topete, a co-chair of CSO’s immigration committee and one of the rally’s two emcees alongside Liza Peña from the Brown Berets, spoke about how the Treaty of Guadalupe-Hidalgo resulted in Latino working-class communities being pushed out, policed, and othered, the same abuse many are facing now, in a different form.

Julie Regalado, a member of Centro CSO’s education committee, spoke about the attacks on students who have been peacefully protesting against the inhumane ICE Raids. Regalado said of the students, “It's their right to come out and march.”

Ernesto Ayala of La Raza Unida Party, whose father Jenaro Ayala designed an Aztlan flag, spoke about growing up within the Chicano movement and rallied the crowd to continue fighting back. Juan Parrino of Los Rucos denounced “Hispanic” ICE agents as traitors unworthy of being deemed Chicano for their attacks on immigrant communities.

Luis Sifuentes of Centro CSO’s Police Accountability Committee spoke about their main demand, which is community control of police due to the brutality, murders and institutions that harm Chicanos in Boyle Heights.

Jag Arreola, a hip hop artist and one of the Justice 8, closed the first part of the program by performing a series of songs denouncing U.S. imperialism and attacks on immigrants.

The protesters then took over First Street, the route connecting the working-class community of Boyle Heights to downtown Los Angeles. Chicanos from Boyle Heights and East LA, whose labor keeps the city running, have historically had to travel across the Los Angeles River to downtown and other more affluent parts of LA to find work.

#LosAngelesCA #CA #ImmigrantRights #OppressedNationalities #ChicanoLatino #CentroCSO

Anaheim, CA – Las primeras filas en la cámara del Consejo de la Ciudad de Anaheim fueron ocupadas por la familia de Albert Arzola el martes 13 de enero. Portaban carteles exigiendo “Justicia para Albert Arzola”, quien tenía 19 años cuando fue emboscado por dos policías del Departamento de Policía de Anaheim, recibió un disparo por la espalda y murió el 6 de diciembre de 2025.

Christine Lopez Ediss dijo, “Albert es mi sobrino y fue amado por muchos. Se graduó de la preparatoria Katella y trabajaba en la ciudad que amaba: Anaheim. Tenía un futuro brillante por delante. Eso se lo robaron a Albert, su familia y a la comunidad de Anaheim. ¡No nos quedaremos callados ante el acto sin sentido cometido por un policía de la unidad de pandillas!”

Sergio Pelayo, primo de Albert Arzola dijo, “Estoy aquí para exigir la versión sin editar de lo que pasó ese día, el 6 de diciembre. Ya ha pasado más de un mes. Solo tenemos un clip de 30 segundos de lo ocurrido. Que simplemente liberen la autopsia, porque la familia quiere saber dónde y cómo murió Albert. También queremos saber el nombre del oficial. ¡O sea, no hay razón para esconderlo!”

La familia de Albert gritó, “¡Ustedes están ocultando cosas!”

Grace Arzola, otra tía de Albert Arzola, comentó lo siguiente del Oficial de Información Pública, Matt Sutter: “Él dijo que la policía actuó por el bien del público. ¡Eso es algo que tiene que determinar el público! No el Oficial de Información Pública. Y el público solo lo puede determinar cuándo publiquen el video completo sin editar. ¡Deja que decida si la policía actuó con su mejor interés!”

Vern Nelson, residente de Anaheim y escritor del Blog Orange Juice, también comentó sobre el asesinato por la policía. Nelson declaró que cuando un agente de la unidad de pandilla mata a una persona, “por semanas o meses, andarán molestando a la familia. Eso me parece muy familiar porque mi esposa Donna tenía un hijo que fue asesinado en 2012 – Joel Acevedo. ¡La misma cosa le pasó a ella! Acosan a la familia. Lucen linternas tras las ventanas del hogar para intimidarlos, para que no hablen.” Joel Acevedo fue asesinado por el agente del Departamento de Policía de Anaheim, Kelly Phillips, el 22 de julio de 2012. Ese año, la policía de Anaheim mató a siete chicanos, incluyendo a Manuel Díaz la noche antes de que mataran a Joel.

Grace Arzola también describió acoso similar, diciendo, “Mi mamá tiene 77 años. La policía detuvo a mi hermano por una ‘luz trasera rota’. Le pedimos a un amigo de la familia que viniera a arreglar la luz. ¡Cinco policías de Departamento de Policía de Anaheim se acercaron al amigo que estaba ayudando a mi mamá anciana a arreglar la luz y lo acusaron de robar el carro! Cinco. Policías. Esto es inaceptable y tiene que parar.”

La familia fue acompañada por tres miembros de la Organización de Servicio Comunitario, Condado Orange (CSO OC), entre ellos Erika Armenta, cuyo esposo Noe Rodriguez fue asesinado por el Departamento de Policía de Santa Ana el 1 de diciembre de 2024.

La miembro de CSO OC Carina Munoz dijo que “el Departamento de Policía de Anaheim ha sido clasificado en el noveno lugar entre las 60 ciudades más grandes de los EE.UU. en la tasa de muertes involucrando a policías durante arrestos, y aun así no se ha hecho nada. Por esta falta de acción, estos policías del Departamento de Policía de Anaheim son libres para hacer viudas a las mujeres, hacer que los padres pierdan a sus hijos antes que a ellos mismos, lo cual no es el orden natural de las cosas, que hermanos se pierdan mucho antes de su tiempo, y que mejores amigos pierdan al único hombro en que apoyarse. ¡Me avergüenzo de Anaheim por permitir otra vez que muera un joven, y por hacer parecer que Albert se lo merecía!”

Graze Arzola afirmó, “¡No nos vamos a ir! ¡Vamos a presentarnos en cada reunión hasta que obtengamos justicia para él! ¡No nos vamos a ir!”

#AnaheimCA #CA #InJusticeSystem #SistemaInJusticia #PolicíasAsesinas #CrimenesPolicíacos #CSOOC #NacionalidadesOprimidas #ChicanoLatino

Boyle Heights, CA – On Tuesday, January 20, Centro Community Service Organization (CSO) marched alongside the family of Jeremy Anthony Flores to LAPD’s Hollenbeck Division station to deliver a petition and demand justice for Flores, a 26-year-old Chicano who was tragically shot and killed by police officers Michael Ruiz, Livier Jimenez and Fernando R Godinez.

Flores was unarmed when he was murdered on July 14, 2025. Flores’s family have been fierce and determined in their fight for justice. Together with Centro CSO’s Police Accountability Committee, they have organized multiple protests, disrupted police events like National Night Out, and even travelled to Chicago for the National Alliance Against Racist And Political Repression conference this past November.

“From day one to present day, Centro CSO is by my side helping me to get justice for my son, nothing and nobody is going to give me my son back but we have to continue until they heard his name and what happened to him in the police’s hands,” said Isabella Rivera, Flores’ mother.

Centro CSO and Flores’s family have gone door to door across the historic Estrada Courts area of Boyle Heights, gathering signatures to demand transparency, accountability and justice. Together, they marched to LAPD’s doors to present the Hollenbeck Division with a petition with over 200 signatures, highlighting the community’s desire for police accountability. Seeing the large group of working-class Chicanos approach the public station, officers locked the front door in fear. Flores’s family pounded on the door as LAPD cops scrambled to hide in the empty lobby. Protesters chanted “Jail killer cops!” and “La policia, la migra, la misma porqueria” in the front of the station. The spirited protesters also waved hand painted banners that read “Killer cops inside” and “Justice for Jeremy Flores.”

“It started a bit bumpy but we got our message across, and that's what matters, bringing justice to my brother's name and we will not stop till we reach what's wanted and needed!” said Sergio Flores, Jeremy’s older brother.

Gabriel Quiroz Jr, co-chair of Centro CSO’s Police Accountability Committee, spoke in support of the family, saying, “One year into Trump's recent term and we are continuing the fight against police crimes, Trump has attacked our Raza but we have taken the fight to him as well! If it’s Mmgra or LAPD it doesn’t matter, we will stand up and fight back!”

Derek Mejia, also co-chair of Centro CSO’s Police Accountability Committee, said, “I think it's shameful that officers at Hollenbeck Station quickly responded by locking the doors to the building. We arrived there peacefully to deliver the petition to demand transparency towards the murder of Jeremy Flores. LAPD and the Board of Police Commissioners have shown time and time again that they are not interested in doing right by the communities they swore to ‘protect.’ Instead, they duck accountability whenever and wherever they can, such as cancelling a Board of Police Commissioners meeting or closing the door to a public space. We will continue to show up and demand Justice for Jeremy Flores, whether they cancel their meetings or lock the doors to their stations.”

Allies like Stop LAPD Spying and About Face Los Angeles and others supported and spoke in solidarity with the family of Jeremy Anthony Flores

The protest ended with a promise to continue to organize and fight back. At one point LAPD officers came out and accepted the petition. The family and Centro CSO said they will confront the chief, captain or even the killer cops in public until their demands are met.

If you would like to become involved with Centro CSO, you can send a message on their social media platforms @CentroCSO or email them at CentroCSO@gmail.com.

#BoyleHeightsCA #LosAngelesCA #CA #InJusticeSystem #KillerCops #PoliceCrimes #OppressedNationalities #ChicanoLatino #CentroCSO

Santa Ana, CA – On a misty Thursday morning, 12 activists and residents of Orange County met outside the OC Superior Court to demand justice for Imanol Gonzalez, a young Santa Ana resident who was struck and killed by off-duty LAPD Sergeant Carlos Coronel on February 1, 2025.

First to speak was David Pulido, member of Community Service Organization, Orange County (CSO OC) who stated, “Carlos Coronel struck Imanol with his truck and fled the scene. On that day Coronel did not call for an ambulance. He did not call Tustin PD or LAPD to report an accident. Instead, he fled the scene and left Imanol to die alone on the street.”

Pulido continued, “The next day, Carlos told his girlfriend to avoid the road where he struck Imanol. He searched the internet for fatal hit-and-run accidents in Tustin, the city where he struck Imanol. These are not the actions of an innocent man!”

In the middle of the speech, a Santa Ana PD cruiser approached protesters and rolled its window down. People began to chant, “Jail killer cops! Jail killer cops!” until the cruiser rolled away.

Jocelyn Pacheco, another member of CSO OC’s Police Accountability Committee stated, “Today we were supposed to be inside this courtroom. Today was supposed to be another step towards justice for Imanol. But instead, today’s hearing was cancelled. Once again, justice is delayed. Once again, this family is told to wait: wait for accountability and wait for answers while the pain drags on.”

Pacheco continued, “Justice delayed is justice denied! We are here to say that Imanol’s life mattered. His family deserves answers, and we will not stay silent while accountability is pushed further and further away. We demand OC Superior Court judge Michael Murray move this case forward to hold this killer cop accountable!”

People chanted, “¡Justicia para Imanol Gonzalez!” and “¡Sin justicia no hay paz!” Attendees included members of CSO OC, members of Guerrero Friends of the Filipino People in Struggle (FFPS), and Christine Lopez Ediss, aunt of Albert Arzola, who was killed by an Anaheim PD officer on December 6, 2025.

Before closing the rally, people gathered signatures for a petition created by Imanol’s dear friend, Ashley Avellaneda, urging that Carlos Coronel face the consequences of his crimes.

#SantaAnaCA #CA #InJusticeSystem #OppressedNationalities #ChicanoLatino #CSOOC

Anaheim, CA – The front rows of Anaheim City Council chamber were filled with Albert Arzola’s family on Tuesday, January 13. They held signs demanding, “Justice for Albert Arzola,” who was only 19 years old when he was ambushed by two Anaheim PD officers, shot in the back and killed on December 6, 2025.

Christine Lopez Ediss said, “Albert is my nephew and was loved by so many. He graduated from Katella High School and was working in the city he loved: Anaheim. He had a bright future ahead. That was stolen from Albert, his family, and the Anaheim community. We will not remain silent about the senseless act by a gang unit officer!”

Sergio Pelayo, Albert Arzola’s cousin, said “I’m here to advocate for the unedited version of what happened that day on December 6. It’s been over a month now. We only have a 30 second clip from what happened. Just release the autopsy as people in the family would like to know where and how Albert died. We would also like to know the name of the officer. I mean, no need to hide!”

Albert’s family shouted, “You guys are hiding things!”

Grace Arzola, another of Albert Arzola’s aunts, said this about Public Information Officer Matt Sutter: “He said that the police acted in the public’s best interest. That’s something that the public has to determine! Not the Public Information Officer. They can only do this when you guys release the full, unedited video. Let them decide if the police acted in their best interest!”

Vern Nelson, Anaheim resident and writer of the Orange Juice Blog, also spoke on the police killing. Nelson stated that when gang unit officers kill someone, “for weeks or months they’ll go around harassing the family. That’s familiar to me because my wife Donna had a son who was killed in 2012 – Joel Acevedo. The same exact thing happened to her! They harass the family. They shine lights into their place every day to intimidate them, so they don’t speak out.” Joel Acevedo was killed by Anaheim PD officer Kelly Phillips on July 22, 2012. That year Anaheim PD killed seven Chicanos, including Manuel Diaz the night before Joel was killed.

Grace Arzola also described similar harassment, saying “My mom is 77 years old. The police stopped my brother for a ‘broken taillight’. We asked a family friend to come and fix the taillight. Five Anaheim PD officers pulled up on a family friend that was helping my elderly mom fix a broken taillight and accused him of stealing the car! Five. Officers. This is unacceptable and it needs to stop.”

The family was joined by three members of Community Service Organization, Orange County (CSO OC), including Erika Armenta, whose husband Noe Rodriguez was killed by Santa Ana PD on December 1, 2024.

CSO OC member Carina Munoz said that “Anaheim PD has been ranked ninth out of the 60 largest U.S. cities on the rate of officer-involved deaths during arrests, and yet nothing has been done. Because of the lack of action, these Anaheim PD officers are allowed to make women widows, parents lose their children before themselves, which is not the natural order of things, siblings lose each other way before their time, and best friends lose their only shoulder to lay on. I am ashamed of Anaheim for once again letting a young person die, and for making it seem like Albert deserved it!”

Graze Arzola stated, “We are not going away! We will show up to every meeting until we get justice for him! We are not going away!”

#AnaheimCA #CA #InJusticeSystem #KillerCops #PoliceCrimes #CSOOC #OppressedNationalities #ChicanoLatino

Anaheim, CA – On December 22, the Anaheim Police Department (APD) released body-worn camera footage from the police killing of Albert Arzola. Rather than providing clarity, the footage has intensified community outrage and reinforced long-standing concerns about APD’s narrative, use of force, and lack of transparency.

The video does not clearly show Arzola pointing or firing a weapon. At no point in the footage is a gun seen in Arzola’s hands prior to officers opening fire. This directly contradicts APD’s repeated claims that Arzola “produced a gun,” a phrase officials have relied on to justify the killing since the incident.

In the footage, APD officers approached Arzola in an unmarked vehicle with no sirens and were not immediately identifiable as police. The officers charged out of the car and chased Arzola as he ran toward his home. Within seconds, the shooting officer grabbed Arzola by the hoodie, pulled him down, and opened fire.

The video shows no sign that officers tried to de-escalate the situation before using lethal force. The lack of audio caused by the camera’s buffering period makes it impossible to tell what commands – if any – were given, and whether Arzola had time or ability to comply.

The body camera footage also corroborates community accounts regarding 18-year-old Emmanuel Cordova, who was also present near the scene. Video shows Cordova exiting the house with his hands raised and his back partially turned when he is struck by a less-lethal round. This directly challenges APD’s claim that Cordova was behaving threateningly. Cordova was later hospitalized for injuries from the encounter.

CSO OC and community members are calling for the immediate release of the full, body camera footage, the names of the officers involved, and an independent investigation into the killing. They argue that APD’s limited release of information has only raised further questions and deepened public mistrust.

As anger continues to grow in Anaheim, community members remain firm in their demands. The release of the body-camera footage has not brought closure. Instead, it has highlighted inconsistencies in APD’s account and strengthened calls for accountability, transparency, and an end to what residents describe as a pattern of violent policing in their neighborhoods, especially on young Chicanos.

#AnaheimCA #CA #InJusticeSystem #PoliceCrimes #KillerCops #PoliceBrutality #OppressedNationalities #ChicanoLatino #CSOOC #Feature

Los Angeles, CA – A principios de octubre, los informantes en White Memorial, un hospital adventista de Boyle Heights, filtraron información invaluable. Los informantes afirmaron que los agentes de ICE estaban llevando a los detenidos de una instalación inadecuada de ICE llamada “B-18” ubicada dentro del Metropolitan Detention Center en el centro de Los Ángeles, al hospital del barrio Chicano.

Dentro de los confines de White Memorial, en el departamento de emergencias, los agentes aterrorizaban a los pacientes detenidos, con el permiso de los directores generales y directores del hospital. Entre los delitos cometidos por agentes de ICE se encontraban violaciones de la confidencialidad del paciente y la ley HIPAA, negando a los detenidos la capacidad de tomar sus propias decisiones de atención médica, e interferencia de agentes de ICE cuando el personal del hospital intentaba conectar a los detenidos con sus familias.

Organizaciones como Centro CSO y la Boyle Heights Immigration Rights Network, que incluye Proyecto Pastoral, Union del Barrio y la Organización Socialista Camino de la Libertad, se unieron a una red recién formada de trabajadores de la salud – El People’s Care Collective. El People’s Care Collective convocó a una protesta en los hospitales que colaboran con ICE, denunciando las “múltiples injusticias de salud cometidas por ICE y las fuerzas del orden público contra los pacientes detenidos en el Metropolitan Detention Center, la Men’s Central Jail y múltiples hospitales”.

CSO se unió a su campaña para expulsar a ICE de White Memorial. Una petición reciente pide que ICE cumpla la ley HIPAA y que no se sancione al personal hospitalario si pide a ICE que salga de las salas de examen.

Durante la protesta, el Dr. Abhinaya Narayanan leyó una declaración escrita por los trabajadores de la salud de White Memorial diciendo, “Exigimos que White Memorial establezca protecciones adicionales para la privacidad de los pacientes, permita que los médicos y pacientes tengan contacto libre y no controlado con las familias de los pacientes, y que los proveedores médicos y trabajadores sociales puedan ayudar a los pacientes y sus familias con conexión a apoyo y representación legal”.

Gabriel Quiroz Jr, miembro del Centro CSO y la Organización Socialista Camino de la Libertad, dijo, “Nací en White Memorial. El temor a principios de la década de 1990 era que los recién nacidos fueran secuestrados. Hoy, el temor es que White Memorial no haga nada para impedir que la migra [ICE] entre o proteja a nuestra Raza de ellos”.

La protesta tuvo lugar el domingo 14 de diciembre. Comenzó fuera del Museo Japonés en el centro de Los Ángeles, donde más de 100 asistentes marcharon a las instalaciones B-18, la Men’s Central Jail, y luego continuaron en la Avenida César E Chávez para terminar en White Memorial.

CSO hará campaña para expulsar a ICE de White Memorial y continuará reuniéndose con la administración de Adventist Health y White Memorial para asegurarse de que rindan cuentas.

A puertas cerradas, los trabajadores de la salud le dicen a la Boyle Heights Immigrants Rights Network (BHIRN) que la administración ha dicho algunas de las siguientes cosas, “Boyle Heights se olvidará de esto”, “bueno [los detenidos] no son pacientes reales”, “siga lo que los agentes de ICE le piden”.

Jordan Peña, co-presidente del Comité de Inmigración de CSO, dijo, “Envía un mensaje poderoso cuando los trabajadores de la salud y los activistas comunitarios se unen. Demostramos que estamos unidos en esta lucha. Esta protesta fue solo el comienzo de una fuerte relación para el movimiento de cambio. Para nosotros, como CSO, enviamos un mensaje claro a los directores de White Memorial, que estamos juntos y no vamos a ninguna parte”.

Si deseas unirte a la lucha de Boyle Heights, contacta Centro CSO y firma la petición ahora.

#LosAngelesCA #CA #ImmigrantRights #DerechosDeLosInmigrantes #CentroCSO #OppressedNationalities #ChicanoLatino

Chicago, IL – 500 organizers convened at the Chicago Teacher’s Union Hall from Friday, November 14 through Sunday, November 16 for the 52nd anniversary national conference of the National Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression (NAARPR).

The conference was the fourth of its kind since the refounding of NAARPR in 2019. It showcased the tremendous growth of the organization and its fighting capacity since its original founding in 1973 out of the movement to free Angela Davis. 530 people registered for the conference, representing 31 NAARPR branches and affiliate organizations.

After a spirited rally to kick off the conference on Friday evening, attendees got started at 9:30 a.m. Saturday morning for a panel discussion on the fight for community control of the police in the era of Trump. Panelists representing NAARPR branches in seven cities described the different conditions in their struggle to make police departments accountable to and controlled by working and oppressed people, as well as the importance of being part of a national organization united around a common goal.

Community control of the police is “more important than it has ever been,” said Frank Chapman, NAARPR’s executive director.

The second panel discussion focused on building a united movement against Trump. Panelists emphasized the importance of working with anyone who is ready to unite against Trump’s racist attacks, even through disagreements.

Merawi Gerima, a filmmaker and organizer with the DC Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression, has been involved in forming and struggling for unity within the DC Coalition Against Trump in response to the federal occupation of the nation's capital.

“When debates come up within our coalition, we center with ‘what action can we agree on?’” Gerima said. “The united front is an old weapon, but many organizations are learning to wield it again after many years of repression. Let’s all come together on the basis of action.”

After lunch, the conference broke out into two sets of breakout sessions through the afternoon which included deeper discussion of the fights for legalization for all and immigrants’ rights, an end to the genocide in Palestine, a new task force addressing prison conditions, stopping the attacks on women’s and LGBTQ rights, and the fight to free political prisoners.

With racist and violent ICE attacks set to increase in the new year, the breakout session focused on immigrant rights was well attended and fruitful, according to organizers of the conference.

Carlos Montes, a longtime organizer and leader in the Centro CSO and the Legalization For All Network, described the energy and inspiration that came out of the emergency Southwest Summit to Stop Deportations held in East Los Angeles in April.

At the summit, organizers from LA shared their success with what they call ‘barrio walks,’ where organizers walk through local neighborhoods to spread “know your rights” information and invite into organized struggle the communities facing the brunt of ICE attacks. Since attending the conference in April, immigrant rights groups have been implementing barrio walks to protect their communities too.

In the evening, families of those murdered or wrongly convicted by police violence were given a chance to share their stories in a plenary session titled “Families of the movement.”

Families of survivors or victims of police crimes “are largely ignored by the system,” said Jae Yates, an organizer with the Twin Cities Coalition for Justice. “The families have been instrumental in disrupting that misinformation and coverup.”

Sergio Flores, brother of Jeremy Flores who was killed by Los Angeles Police, described the corruption and cruelty of the Hollenbeck division of Boyle Heights in East LA.

“I don’t understand how they get to go home every single day to their families – I have to visit my brother in the cemetery,” Flores said. “It’s time for them to go down.”

On Sunday, the conference closed with reports from NAARPR Executive Director Frank Chapman, as well as from all the 31 branches and affiliate organizations present at the conference.

Seven new resolutions were debated and passed. They resolve to fight against Trump’s federal occupation, ICE raids, repressive Presidential Memorandum NSPM-7, the expansion of detention centers, charter school takeovers, resolve to fight for the freedom of political prisoners, solidarity with the unified Palestinian resistance, and the partnership of families of victims of police brutality and organizations fighting against police crimes.

#ChicagoIL #IL #InJusticeSystem #PoliceCrimes #OppressedNationalities #AfricanAmerican #ChicanoLatino #NAARPR #CAARPR #Feature

Santa Ana, CA – On October 7, over 30 people crowded on the busy street corner of Bristol Avenue and McFadden Street to protest the ongoing genocide in Palestine. They carried signs supporting an end to the siege on Gaza, calling for a victory to the Palestinian resistance, ending U.S. aid to Israel and defending the Freedom Flotilla.

The protest, organized by Community Service Organization Orange County (CSO OC) kicked off with chants of “Free, free Palestine!” and “When Palestine is under attack, what do we do? Stand up! Fight back!” which was met with honks and cheers of support from passing drivers. The chanting continued as the protesters took to the street and marched between each of the corners on the intersection, bringing the message directly to the commuters.

Matt Compton, a member of CSO OC stated, “Chicanos living in the American Southwest recognize the oppression of Palestinians for what it is. The oppression currently happening here in the U.S. involving ICE snatching immigrants from the streets and out of the courts, comes from the same vein of racism used in the genocide of Palestinians. Shame!”

David Pulido, the emcee of the protest, told the crowd, “It’s important to build political power here and to fight back against the Trump administration who now oversees this genocide.” He also called out local Santa Ana politicians Valerie Amezcua, Phil Bacerra and David Penaloza, stating, “We can’t forget that they are also Zionists! In early 2024, when Santa Ana City Council voted on a ceasefire resolution, which was forced upon them by the people, Phil Becerra and David Penaloza fled the room while Amezcua summoned police to form a wall around her and threatened to arrest people for touching those around them.”

Rain Mendoza, a member of Freedom Road Socialist Organization said, “The genocide that is being waged by Israel could not exist without the aid of the United Stated government. Since taking office, the Trump administration has approved $12 billion in foreign military sales”.

Mendoza continued, “Every day, more and more people understand that Israel is waging a genocide against the Palestinian people, and yet our government continues to support Israel. That is because the exploited and oppressed masses do not have political power in the United States; the monopoly capitalist class has power. The only way to change that is revolution. FRSO is dedicated to building a communist party that can lead the fight against the ruling class.”

#SantaAnaCA #CA #AntiWarMovement #Palestine #OppressedNationalities #ChicanoLatino #CSOOC #FRSO

Santa Ana, CA – On Saturday, August 30, approximately 70 community members gathered at El Centro Cultural de Mexico to commemorate the Chicano Moratorium. People chanted, “Chicana! Power! Chicano! Power!” as the event kicked off.

Emcee Diana Terreros of Community Service Organization Orange County (CSO OC) stated, “Especially today as Trump’s attacks on Raza have started and will continue throughout his term, we are here to demand ICE out of Santa Ana, justice for Noe Rodriguez, community control of the police, legalization for all, ending U.S. aid to Israel, and more!”

Santa Ana music artist Francis Co. and the Lusitanos then performed a song titled ICE out of Santa Ana about ICE’s presence in our communities and knowing your rights.

David Pulido of Freedom Road Socialist Organization (FRSO) told the crowd, “Our enemy has always been the capitalist system because it needs the oppression of Aztlán to survive.” He stated that each new generation of Chicanos inherits the task “to liberate Aztlán, not only for Chicanos but for all oppressed nationalities and indigenous peoples in the U.S. We owe it to the people of Palestine and the Philippines, and to all who suffer from U.S. imperialism abroad.”

Attendees then heard from families impacted by police brutality and ICE arrests.

Erika Armenta is fighting for justice for her husband Noe Rodriguez, who was killed by Santa Ana Police Department Officers Luis Casillas and Isaac Ibarra. The officers fired almost 30 bullets at him, leaving his two daughters to grow up without a father.

Armenta stated that the officers continue to patrol the streets while under investigation by the California Department of Justice. She added that Casillas was recently involved in other violent incidents, stating “these officers are a danger to our communities, because they do not act professionally and they do not have the ability to de-escalate situations.” Armenta continues to demand that the officers be fired and jailed.

Ashley Avellaneda demanded justice for Imanol Gonzalez via a statement read on her behalf by Caro Munoz, CSO OC Police Accountability Committee (PAC) member. Gonzalez was a 19-year-old Santa Ana resident who was killed in Tustin by Los Angeles police Officer Carlos Coronel in February of 2025. “While he was off duty, Coronel egoistically decided to drive knowing he was drunk. He ran over Imanol and left the scene. He didn’t call for help, he didn’t stop to see if he was okay. Carlos Coronel is only facing six years and eight months in prison as his maximum sentence.” She stated that this is unfair and that the family is struggling for no preferential treatment and a stronger sentence through a campaign with CSO OC PAC. “I didn’t know where to start or how, but by coming to the PAC meetings, and joining city council sessions, I have learned so much and especially learned that we all have a voice.”

Terreros then shared a statement from a Santa Ana resident who wished to remain anonymous, reading, “I recently had to attend a court hearing, which was a nightmare. The journey to the courthouse was fraught with anxiety, not knowing if I’d be stopped or detained on the way...This is why I believe that implementing universal remote hearings is crucial. Imagine being able to attend your hearing from a safe location, without the fear of being snatched.”

CSO OC is carrying out a campaign to implement virtual immigration hearings at the Santa Ana immigration court, a practice used during COVID. ICE has been arresting people on site since May, and this would prevent further arrests at the court.

The crowd then marched to the ICE field office, holding banners that stated “Fuck ICE,” “Community control of the police, and “Chicano self-determination.” Chants of “Raza si! Migra no!” echoed down Santa Ana Boulevard.

Jocelyn Pacheco, a member of CSO OC PAC, chanted “Down with the cover ups! Down with the lies!” She spoke about their 24/48 Campaign, which is pushing for a policy change on transparency after police killings to require the police department to publish the names of officers in 24 hours and body camera footage within 48 hours.

These demands are important to help families in their struggles for justice. Pacheco reminded the crowd, “They lied about what Noe was doing before they shot him and they lied about how many times they shot him and if it weren’t for CSO obtaining the extended body camera footage then who knows what other stories they would have come up with.”

Speaking for CSO OC’s Immigration Committee, Clara Delgado shared her experience as a Chicana born and raised in Santa Ana. “I grew up watching the people I love such as landscapers, food truck workers, hotel staff, and kitchen staff labor day and night while battling racism, loneliness and exploitation.” She went on to talk about CSO OC’s campaign for virtual immigration hearings and their barrio walks, where CSO members hand out know your rights information. She ended with, “I promise you this: CSO OC will not stop fighting until justice is served for our people.”

The event included a rap performance by Kozmik Force, spoken word by Santa Ana poets Iuri Lara and Gustavo Hernandez, a baile folklórico group, and local vendors.

The event was put together by CSO OC and was endorsed by multiple organizations, including FRSO Orange County, the Orange County Rapid Response Network, Chicanxs Unidxs, Pueblo Unido, Santa Ana Active Streets, Democratic Socialists of America, and more.

#SantaAnaCA #OppressedNationalities #ChicanoMoratorium #ChicanoLatino #CSOOC #DSA #FRSOOC