On Friday, May 2, ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) surrounded and raided 11 El Balazo restaurants in San Francisco and several East Bay cities. This was the largest and most aggressive Northern California raid to date.
This egregious raid is part of what ICE has called a "surge" in detentions since late April 2008 which has resulted in over 900 immigrant detentions in California. However, immigrant workers, leaders and supporters are fighting back!
All the money will go directly to support the basic needs of the more than 45 El Balazo workers' families, including: food, clothing, toys, school supplies and legal expenses.
We hope that you, your organization, union or community group will consider helping us make our first event a big success by attending the event and/or making a donation to the fund.
Here's how you can support the El Balazo workers.
1. Endorse the BBQ by donating $25 to $500
2. Donate food or beverages to the BBQ
3. Tell your friends and family, as well as any groups that you belong to about the BBQ and ask them to attend
Checks can be written to East Bay Alliance for a Sustainable Economy (EBASE) (make sure to write "El Balazo Defense Fund" in the memo line)