With many immigrant groups living in fear after President Trump’s second inauguration, the local Filipino advocacy group Malaya Union City, a branch of Malaya USA, has stepped up to provide crucial support. On Friday, Jan. 24, members of the organization gathered outside Fremont Bank, rallying the community to mobilize in defense of immigrants and their families.
“We want to make sure immigrants are safe under this new administration,” said Malaya member Roberta Ryan.
Over the past week, immigrant communities nationwide have been shaken by “ICE raids” as Trump delivers on his promise to remove undocumented individuals from the country. Many of the affected areas are self-declared “sanctuary cities,” traditionally seen as havens for noncitizens.
While these cities can refuse to cooperate with ICE efforts, they cannot prevent agents from conducting raids. As confidence in the protection offered by sanctuary cities wanes, advocacy groups like Malaya are stepping in to provide hope and resources.
On the corner outside Fremont Bank, Malaya Union City members led spirited protest chants while passing cars honked in solidarity. Malaya USA, established in 2018, was born out of a collective effort by Filipino community leaders to promote the welfare and safety of their diaspora.
In a statement, the organization highlighted the economic struggles in the Philippines that have driven many to migrate to the United States, where one in four undocumented Filipinos now resides. With limited opportunities back home, many immigrants fear losing everything they’ve worked hard to build in the U.S.
“Filipino migrant workers are rightfully afraid,” the organization said.
Union City, often referred to as “Little Manila,” boasts the highest concentration of Filipinos in Alameda County, making up 20% of its population, according to the San Francisco Chronicle.
Filipino American Jordan Ilagan, who joined Malaya Union City in 2020, reflected on the current events. A community organizer during Trump’s first presidency, Ilagan describes the recent wave of mass deportations as an unsettling flashback. Yet, he finds solace in Malaya’s mission to build trust, protect and stand in solidarity with immigrants of all backgrounds.
“Regardless of who the president is, it’s the community that holds the power,” he said.
Malaya Union City
malayamovement.com
