Latinos of LA, a Political Power

Los Angeles, once dubbed the "wicked city" for its anti-labor stance, has undergone a remarkable transformation into a progressive stronghold over the last decade. At the heart of this shift lies a triad of influential factors: the rise of a progressive labor movement, the emergence of community-based organizing with a keen understanding of power dynamics, and, notably, the amplification of immigrant voices. This metamorphosis, however, is not without its challenges, framing a nuanced polarization issue pitting the progressive forces against a rising tide of nativism, sometimes veering toward fascism.

The watershed moment for this transformation was the "Los Angeles Riots" in 1992, which not only exposed the deep-seated issues of police-community relations but also highlighted the economic disparities in the city. The subsequent response was the birth of progressive movements, notably the Los Angeles Alliance for a New Economy (LAANE), focusing on working poverty and broader economic opportunity.

A significant driving force behind this change was the rapid "Latinization" of South Central, a result of increased immigration. Immigrants, particularly Latinos, expanded the base for left-leaning politics. Through the 1980s and 1990s, immigrants, often undocumented, became instrumental in labor organizing, staging strikes, and contributing to the rise in private-sector unionization—a stark contrast to the national trend.

While immigrants were initially a complementary force to labor and community-based organizing, they quickly evolved into pivotal players with their organizations and political agendas. The immigrant surge in activism was catalyzed by events like the 1994 Proposition 187, a measure attempting to restrict public services for undocumented immigrants. This, in turn, sparked the autonomy of the immigrant-rights movement.

However, tensions arose within the Latino community itself, as the flashpoint emerged regarding the display of Mexican flags during protests against Proposition 187. The immigrant organizers sought independent political action, highlighting a broader debate on control over the strategy to defend immigrant rights.

The 1990s saw a shift in Latino political dynamics, with the rising share of immigrants propelling Latino politicians to power. Yet, this was not a passive assimilation into ethnic politics. Immigrants, including those unable to vote, became integral to electoral campaigns, challenging traditional notions of ethnic politics.

Immigrant rights organizations, such as the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles (CHIRLA) and the National Day Laborer Organizing Network (NDLON), played a crucial role in reshaping the stance of organized labor. This collaborative effort culminated in the AFL-CIO adopting a platform supportive of immigrant rights and comprehensive immigration reform in 1999.

A pivotal moment in this narrative was the May 1, 2006, march against the Sensenbrenner-King bill in Congress, which proposed draconian measures against undocumented immigrants. This event, where half a million people flooded the streets of Los Angeles, marked a turning point. Unlike 1994, marchers waved American flags, emphasizing a call for citizenship and voting. This moment spurred a surge in naturalizations, altering the political landscape.

Los Angeles in 2023 is a progressive haven where immigrant voices are integral to policy changes. Mayor Eric Garcetti has capitalized on this momentum, advocating for a significant increase in the city's minimum wage. Immigrant lobbying has extended beyond immigration issues to encompass land-use planning, education, job training, and environmental justice.

However, challenges persist. Notable is the dichotomy between the city and county, with differing policies on immigrant detainees. Yet, the overall shift is significant, offering hope for a more inclusive future.

While Los Angeles has made strides, it falls short in some areas compared to other cities. Yet, the city's pro-immigrant stance remains a remarkable change from the past. However, this progress is not guaranteed, requiring continuous efforts to foster a welcoming atmosphere for immigrants.

As the immigrant demographic continues to grow, the question of progressive identification is paramount. Immigrants must see progressive politicians as allies, and these political actors must align with immigrant concerns. Delaying issues like immigration reform risks altering the future political alignment, making immigrant voices even more pivotal.

In the landscape of shifting tides, Los Angeles stands as a testament to the potential fusion of immigrant activism and progressive politics. The city's journey illustrates that immigrants are not just subjects but actors in the political narrative. The future requires a commitment to nurturing progressive identification among immigrants, forming coalitions, and proactively addressing the broader socio-economic issues that bind us all.

This journey is not exclusive to Los Angeles. The tale of immigrant activism and its alignment with progressive forces serves as a blueprint for other cities in the United States. The task at hand is not just to build a city but to craft a nation that is more inclusive, equitable, and just.