Amidst the devastation caused by one of the worst natural disasters in U.S. history, which has left over 50,000 acres of Los Angeles County in ruins, immigrants are already stepping up to clean up the mess.

With 28 confirmed fatalities, estimated damages exceeding $275 billion, nearly 17,000 structures destroyed, and over 150,000 people forced to evacuate or lose their homes, swift recovery is paramount for the city’s future and the broader economy.

However, amidst the looming threat of deportation under the new presidential administration, the construction industry in Los Angeles County and across the nation is grappling with severe labor shortages.

In a media briefing on January 24, hosted by Ethnic Media Services, a panel of experts discussed the effects of deportation on the rebuilding of LA.

Speakers

  • Pablo Alvarado, Co-Executive Directors of NDLON, the National Day Laborers Organizing Network
  • Nik Theodore, Distinguished Professor, Department of Urban Planning and Policy University of Illinois Chicago
  • Anabella Bastida, Director of Membership and Membership Services, Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles (CHIRLA)
  • Jennie Murray, President and Chief Executive Officer at the National Immigration Forum (NIM)

Following Hurricane Katrina in 2005, President George W. Bush temporarily suspended employer sanctions against undocumented immigrants. In 2025, business leaders in industries already facing a critical shortage of workers have urged the incoming administration to fulfill its promises of deporting up to 10 million migrants.

Nik Theodore emphasized the urgent need for cleanup and rebuilding, highlighting the presence of ash containing lead and other toxins leaching into the earth, contaminating groundwater and the air.

Theodore cautioned that this heightened urgency presents opportunities for worker exploitation, drawing from his extensive research in urban disaster recovery zones. He observed the presence of unlicensed contractors, often originating from out of state, who swiftly assemble work crews by hiring local day laborers and immigrant workers.

Even in the most favorable circumstances, in industries where a significant portion of the workforce comprises immigrants, such as construction, government enforcement of labor standards has consistently fallen short of ensuring worker safety.

Theodore underscored that these standards are often disregarded due to inadequate provision of personal protective equipment and wage theft, which undocumented workers fear challenging due to the looming threat of deportation, particularly in the current climate.

Nationwide, approximately 30% of construction industry workers are immigrants, with the share reaching 40% in states like California and Texas.

Last year, the industry faced a workforce shortage of over half a million workers nationwide. Jennie Murray expressed concern that immigrants might be hesitant to take on these jobs due to fear and uncertainty. This sentiment is compounded by the upcoming 2028 Olympics, which LA is still slated to host. Even without the devastating wildfires, the industry would need to experience robust growth to recover.

On a related note, a Department of Homeland Security memo grants immigration enforcement agents the authority to swiftly deport migrants who arrived in the U.S. under Biden parole programs. This move puts approximately 1.5 million migrants, primarily from Haiti, Cuba, Nicaragua, and Venezuela, at risk of deportation. Murray warned that such overreach could lead to dissatisfaction among American voters, who may perceive it as a violation of their expectations and a disregard for contributing individuals rather than violent criminals or those ineligible for deportation.

A recent nationwide poll conducted by NIM and The Bullfinch Group revealed that 60% of Republicans and 67% of voters overall support prioritizing violent criminals and those with final orders of removal over “all individuals without legal status.” Pablo Alvarado cautioned against falling into the trap of believing that the administration intends to focus solely on “violent criminals.” He emphasized that President Obama’s use of the phrase “felons, not families” resulted in the deportation of a significant portion of the population who posed no threat to public safety.

At the NDLON center in Pasadena, located just a mile south of the Eaton fire, Alvarado shared the harrowing experiences of workers who are fleeing the devastation caused by the fires. Members of the center expressed their distress, stating that their belongings are all they possess in life. Not only have their apartments been destroyed, but their homes, where they work as cleaners, have also been lost.

He estimates that NDLON is the largest community disaster response operation in the region, serving 1,000 people daily. This includes 500 cars that arrive to pick up donations of food, clothing, diapers, and N95 masks.

“No one expects any government to be prepared for such a catastrophe. When that happens, that’s when humble people lend a hand,” said Alvarado. “At a street corner by our center, a huge tree fell and was blocking the street … So we had an assembly of skilled workers and created a fire brigade.”

“We removed that tree, then the next, then the next one, and we posted a picture on social media, and all of a sudden hundreds, then thousands of volunteers came to Pasadena. The local government sent them all here,” he explained. “The fire destroyed so much, but at least with the people that have come here, it burned away our differences.”

“MAGA folks were helping hand-to-hand, with members of the DSA, clearing driveways with blocked access … They weren’t asking whether the owner of a home they’re clearing up was a Republican or a Democrat, a friend or a foe,” added Alvarado. “As we speak, there are 15 brigades removing debris across the city, and immigrant workers are leading the effort.”

“Many families have lost their identification papers — their passport, their consular papers, and it’s complicated to even pay for new documents,” said Anabella Bastida.

The coalition, which comprises over 51,000 members, has partnered with the Mexican consulate, “We’re connecting immigrants to food assistance and social services … and particularly providing cash assistance to low-income families and those not eligible for FEMA, or fear providing their information. Yesterday, one family said: ‘I’m not going to risk providing my information to the government when I’m going to put my livelihood in jeopardy.’”

CHIRLA is collaborating with local churches and the county school district to organize nearly 150 training sessions to equip individuals with knowledge of their rights during ICE encounters.

Bastida explained that while they are visiting shelters, the undocumented community is apprehensive about the unfolding situation. She mentioned recent ICE raids in Bakersfield and Los Angeles County.

Bastida emphasized the importance of conveying the message that this is happening, urging preparedness while simultaneously emphasizing the need to avoid paralysis. She highlighted the consequences of continuing to avoid school, hospitals, and essential services, emphasizing the need for community rebuilding.