FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 21, 2025
CONTACT: Hector Fong, [email protected], (702)505-6748

[Las Vegas, Nevada] — Today, The Nevada Immigrant Coalition, in partnership with local organizations, hosted a powerful and heartfelt Rally outside the Lloyd D. George Courthouse in response to the anticipated passing of H.R. 29 and executive orders issued by the incoming president. Over 100 community members gathered to express their resilience and opposition to policies threatening immigrant families and marginalized communities.

Nevada is home to over 500,000 immigrants, including nearly 200,000 undocumented individuals, many of whom are integral to the state’s economy. Approximately 1 in 5 workers in Nevada are immigrants, representing key industries like hospitality, construction, and agriculture. Additionally, there are an estimated 55,000 mixed-status families in the state, where loved ones face the daily fear of separation due to harsh immigration policies. These policies threaten to destabilize families and disrupt Nevada’s economy, which heavily depends on the contributions of its immigrant workforce.

The Rally held today was a space for unity and reflection. Attendees lit candles in solidarity, listened to testimonials from impacted individuals, and heard from community leaders who emphasized the need to continue the fight for justice and dignity for all.

Leo Murrieta, Executive Director with Make the Road Nevada, shared the following statement: 

“Tonight, we stand united in resilience and defiance, sending a clear message: no policy or administration rooted in hate will silence our collective strength. Our communities have faced darkness before, including family separations, attacks on DACA, ICE raids, systemic racism, healthcare inequities, and economic oppression. Yet we fought back. We organized, marched, and demanded protections once deemed impossible. Even during the hardships of the pandemic, when so many were excluded from relief, we cared for one another, proving our unity in action.

As new challenges emerge, from economic inequality to environmental injustice and threats to reproductive rights, we rise stronger. We are driven by hope, unity, and the courage of our stories. This fight is bigger than any one of us. It is about justice for all. Together, we are the light in the darkness, the power of resistance, and the promise of a better future for every worker, every family, and every dreamer. ¡Sí se puede!”

Dee Sull, Elected Director of the American Immigration Lawyers Association 

“America is a nation of immigrants. From our earliest days, we have been shaped by the dreams, hard work, and diversity of those who came to our shores seeking freedom, opportunity, and a better life. Immigrants have always been a vital part of our history, from building our infrastructure to driving innovation, and they continue to make our nation stronger, more dynamic, and more prosperous.

However, it seems our government has forgotten its own history. For far too long, we’ve watched as elected leaders fail to address critical issues, including immigration reform, while perpetuating a broken system that only serves to divide us. The blame lies squarely with those in office who have failed to do their jobs, those who have been unable to balance the budget for over two decades, and those who have normalized this fiscal irresponsibility as business as usual.

We, the American people, must hold our leaders accountable. Our nation faces real challenges, and we need real solutions—not fear-mongering, not finger-pointing, and not excuses. It’s time to demand common-sense reform on all fronts, from immigration to fiscal policy, that reflects the values and strength of this great country.

Elected leaders who have been unwilling or unable to make the tough decisions, to balance the budget, and to enact lasting change have failed us all. They have passed the buck for far too long, and we are the ones left to bear the cost. It’s time to change the narrative and take responsibility for the future of our nation. Together, we can forge a new path forward—one that reflects our founding principles and ensures prosperity for all who call America home. 

Let us stand united, not as partisans or factions, but as a nation committed to progress, unity, and common sense.

It’s time for action. Let’s hold those in power accountable. Let’s make America’s future work for everyone.”

Barbara Wells, President of League of Women Voters of Nevada issued the following statement: 

“We will not stand by quietly while bigotry and degradation are directed at our immigrants, the people who have, for centuries, played an invaluable role in creating a strong, thriving nation and a culturally rich society for us all. The League of Women Voters of Nevada remains firm on the position of ensuring fair treatment under the law for all persons. We also defend the dignity and respect that all human beings deserve, and are proud to stand with the immigrant population, here in Nevada and throughout the country.”

Nelly Tobon, Director of Mujer Mariposa Colectivo Alas Abiertas issued the following statement: 

“All people in this country deserve respect and protection of their human rights regardless of their immigration status, we demand that the government ensure and guarantee the well-being of children and adults in vulnerable situations, stop mass deportations and fair trials for all people. Mujer Mariposa Colectivo Alas Abiertas we will continue fighting to protect our communities and improve the living conditions of undocumented immigrants and refugees. We are not going to tolerate violence or more attacks on our people, we are essential in this country.”

Erika Castro, Organizing Director of the Progressive Leadership Alliance of Nevada issued the following statement: 

“Each of our stories is a story of resilience and overcoming hardship to make space for ourselves and our families in this country. We are strong and tough, we’ve endured one Trump presidency and multiple elections where immigrants were demonized and used as scapegoats. We won’t back down and we will continue to fight to protect those most vulnerable in our communities. The coming month will bring many challenges and even some uncertainty. But it is clear that our community demands better from our elected officials, from Congress to school board, we demand they serve EVERYONE regardless of their immigration status. Lombardo needs to serve all Nevadans and focus on the issues that everyday Nevadans are struggling with like the housing crisis instead of wasting our tax dollars on a costly and traumatizing deportation machine”

## Make the Road Nevada (MRNV) builds the power of Latine and working-class communities to achieve dignity and justice through organizing, policy innovation, and transformative education.