Amid the ongoing debate over immigration and the policies of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency, there is one aspect that often goes unnoticed. While the majority of individuals targeted by ICE do not have the protection of a union, there are some unions that have taken a stand to defend not just their own members, but also non-union workers and the communities at large.

Unions have long been recognized as advocates for workers’ rights and have played a crucial role in improving working conditions and wages for their members. However, in recent years, unions have broadened their scope of protection to include all workers, regardless of whether they are union members or not. This is evident in the efforts being made by unions to defend immigrant workers who are increasingly being targeted by ICE.

Even though unions have historically battled with the government and corporations to secure better working conditions for their members, the fight against ICE is relatively new territory. Unions are stepping up to defend immigrant workers and their families who are facing the threat of deportation and separation from their loved ones.

One such union is the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO), which has been at the forefront of advocating for immigrant rights. The AFL-CIO has made it a priority to organize and support immigrant workers, recognizing that their struggles are intertwined with the struggles of all workers.

In a statement released last year, AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka said, “Immigrant workers are an integral part of our labor movement and our country. They work hard every day to build better lives for themselves and their families, and they deserve to be treated with dignity and respect.” The AFL-CIO has also called for comprehensive immigration reform and an end to the inhumane treatment of immigrant workers.

In addition to the AFL-CIO, many other unions have taken a stand against ICE’s harsh immigration policies. The Service Employees International Union (SEIU) has launched a “We Are Home” campaign, which aims to protect immigrant families and push for a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants. The United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) union has also spoken out against ICE and has filed a lawsuit challenging the agency’s use of raids to target immigrant workers.

The efforts of these unions are not just limited to defending their own members. They have also extended their support to non-union workers and communities that are under attack by ICE. This includes providing legal assistance, organizing protests and rallies, and pushing for policy changes at the local, state, and national level.

The actions of these unions have not gone unnoticed. Many immigrant workers have expressed their gratitude for the support and solidarity shown by unions. It has given them a sense of security and comfort in a time of uncertainty and fear. Non-union workers have also recognized the impact of unions in the fight against ICE and have shown an increased interest in joining a union to protect their own rights and the rights of their colleagues.

The efforts of unions to defend immigrant workers and communities are a testament to the power of solidarity. Unions understand that the fight against ICE’s harsh immigration policies is not just about defending the rights of a few, but about standing up for justice and equality for all workers.

In a time where the labor movement is facing numerous challenges, the actions of unions to protect immigrant workers and their families are a shining example of the principles of unity and solidarity that the labor movement was built upon. It is a reminder that no one is safe until everyone’s rights are protected.

As the struggle against ICE continues, it is important to recognize and support the efforts of unions in defending vulnerable immigrant workers and communities. It is also a call to action for all workers to stand together and fight for the rights of all, regardless of their immigration status, race, gender, or any other factor.

In the words of Cesar Chavez, a pioneer in the labor and immigrant rights movement, “We cannot seek achievement for ourselves and forget about progress and prosperity for our community… Our ambitions must be broad enough to include the aspirations and needs of others, for their sakes and for our own.” It is time for all workers, union and non-union alike, to come together and fight for a fair and just society for all.