Community Defense

Protecting the Rights of Immigrant Communities

In partnership with Mijente and the office of Councilmember Eunisses Hernandez, the Community Defense program builds neighborhood-based networks that help communities respond to immigration enforcement, support impacted families, and strengthen local leadership.

A diverse group of people walking together across a yellow crosswalk at the intersection of Wilshire Boulevard near MacArthur Park

Our Approach

Through volunteer-led Block Teams, community training, and rapid-response coordination, the program equips residents with the tools, information, and relationships needed to protect one another during moments of crisis.

Protection takes several forms:

Community Defense Trainings
Neighborhood Block Teams
Rapid Response Coordination
Family Support and Resource Navigation

Program Impact to Date

Bilingual presentation for Council District 1 Community Defense Training in a bright workshop room with attendees listening to a speaker and looking at a projected deck presentation

Trainings

Since launching in January 2025, the program has trained over 530 community members through Community Defense Trainings

Block Captains

We have successfully recruited 96 Block Captains. There are currently 299 Block Team members actively engaged.

A group of five community defense volunteers standing on a sidewalk holding informational fliers and Eunisses Hernandez Council District 1 tote bags during a neighborhood outreach event.

Empowerment

6 Block Captains elevated to leadership roles as program Managers

News Coverage

A diverse crowd of protesters standing in front of Los Angeles City Hall at dusk. A woman in the center is holding a sign that reads 'Alexa, abolish I.C.E.', while others hold signs saying 'DEPORT ICE' and 'JUSTICE FOR ALEX'.

Immigration raids pick up in L.A. as federal tactics shift. Arrests happen in ‘as fast as 30 seconds’

Los Angeles Times

A large group of people gathered in a circle on the grass at MacArthur Park, listening to a speaker, with the lake and Los Angeles skyline in the background.

Amid immigration raids, a coalition of U.S. leaders gather in L.A. to share resistance strategies

Los Angeles Times

A diverse group of people walking together across a yellow crosswalk on a sunny day, with a park, palm trees, and the Los Angeles city skyline in the background.

Be A Partner for Community Defense
Whether you want to learn more for your own family or step into a volunteer leadership role, there is a place for you in this movement. Join our community partners and us for a Community Defense & ICE Awareness Training.

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Program Impact to Date

Ways to Get Involved

News Coverage