No labour justice without migrant justice

This past January, U.S. President Trump deployed 3000 ICE agents into Minnesota with the intent of targeting undocumented immigrants, with a focus on the Somali community. 

Everyday, we have been witnessing widespread harassment, kidnapping, raids and arrests by ICE agents in neighbourhoods and communities all across Minnesota. This culminated in the murder of two U.S. citizens who were acting in solidarity with undocumented people under attack. Racialized and undocumented people and their children continue to face ongoing shootings, arrests and detainment.

No labour justice without migrant justice

An attack on migrants is an attack on us all. What’s happening now in the US shows how important it is to stand together and stand up against any attack on immigrants and racialized communities.

The massive mobilization of ICE OUT protests in the United States is inspiring. Neighbours have come together to create rapid response and mutual aid networks to protect each other. Labour unions, faith leaders, community organizations together with tens of thousands of people took to the streets of Minnesota on January 23rd for a “No work, No school, No shopping” general strike. The ongoing fight in Minnesota shows what a united, collective and courageous resistance looks like.

Migrants are not to blame in the U.S. or in Canada

Here in Canada, migrants, international students and refugees are being regularly blamed for the affordability crisis, especially the shortage of affordable housing. We are witnessing a huge rise of racism on the streets targeting South Asian migrants and many other racialized migrants. Our migrant communities are intentionally being scapegoated for these problems so that those actually responsible can avoid blame. 

We should be blaming wealthy CEOs such as the Weston and Pattison families (who own some of Canada’s largest grocery chains) whose net worth grew to $32.8 billion in 2026, up from $4.4 billion from the previous year.

And we should be holding our government leaders accountable, such as Ontario Premier Doug Ford whose Skills Development Fund is funnelling hundreds of millions into the pockets of corporations led by executives that donate to his Progressive Conservative party. Meanwhile we are facing a wage theft epidemic where in the last ten years, almost $200 million dollars have been assessed as owing to Ontario Workers. 

Tell Senators to Vote No on Bill C-12

In 2025 alone, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) removed 18,785 people in Canada. So while the situation is different than the U.S, make no mistake that migrant communities in Canada are still living in fear.

This week, the Federal government continues to attack migrant rights as they push through the passing of Bill C-12 which gives the Federal government unchecked power to cancel permits, deny refugee protection, and share people's personal information with no oversight and no appeal. It also creates a 1 year deadline for people to apply for refugee status, even if their home country has become dangerous after arrival.

Right now, the Federal Bill C-12 is being debated in the Senate. We urgently need your support. Please send an email now to the Senate to tell them to vote NO to Bill C-12.