Zack de la Rocha, the notoriously private frontman of Rage Against The Machine, has issued a rare public statement, strongly denouncing the recent wave of immigration raids conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Los Angeles, California. These operations have ignited widespread protests, reportedly met by deployments of the National Guard and U.S. Marines by President Donald Trump to suppress dissent.
In a powerful demonstration of solidarity, de la Rocha has publicly endorsed a limited-edition “Protect Los Angeles” benefit shirt and hoodie. This merchandise, launched by streetwear brand Born x Raised, aims to generate crucial funds for The Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA), a non-profit organization dedicated to advocating for the rights of immigrants and refugees. This initiative aligns with efforts by his Rage Against The Machine bandmate Tom Morello, who recently hosted a fundraising concert to support the same cause. All proceeds from the “Protect Los Angeles” design will directly benefit CHIRLA.
De la Rocha’s statement, a significant public address from the artist, conveyed a deeply personal and defiant message of unity and resistance:
“THIS IS LOS ANGELES. IN LA WE FIGHT ALONGSIDE OUR UNDOCUMENTED BROTHERS AND SISTERS. IT’S LIKE THE OLD SCHOOL USED TO SAY ‘CON SAFOS’ — IT’S JUST THE NATURE OF THINGS HERE WHETHER YOU LIKE IT OR NOT. BECAUSE HERE WE FORM A COMMUNITY THAT TRANSCENDS BORDERS. HERE WE REJECT THE IDEA THAT ANYONE IS ILLEGAL. WE ARE A DIGNIFIED CITY OF MILLIONS OF INTERNATIONAL WORKERS FROM EVERY CORNER OF THE GLOBE, AND TOGETHER WE ARE DEVELOPING THE CAPACITY TO DEFEND OUR MOTHERS, OUR FATHERS, OUR FAMILIES, AND OUR CHILDREN FROM ICE AND THEIR RAC*ST AND ARMED VIGILANTES NOW INVADING OUR COMMUNITIES.”
He continued by emphasizing the humanitarian aspect of their organizing: “IT’S PARA LOS NIÑOS THAT WE ORGANIZE TO FIGHT FOR THOSE WHO CAN’T.” De la Rocha also issued a stark warning to those who might remain on the sidelines, highlighting the far-reaching implications of unchecked authoritarian actions: “FASC*SM IS LAWLESS. ITS AGENTS WEAPONIZE WHAT THEY CONSIDER TO BE THE LAW AND WILL ONLY APPLY IT TO THOSE THAT THEY TARGET, WHILE THEY ILLEGALLY DETAIN, HARASS, TERRORIZE, AND DISAPPEAR THE MEMBERS OF OUR COMMUNITIES WITH TOTAL IMPUNITY. AS WE SPEAK THEY ARE ATTEMPTING TO BLUR THE LINES BETWEEN WHAT IS PROTEST AND WHAT IS ‘TE**ORISM’, BETWEEN WHO IS AN INNOCENT WORKER AND WHO IS A ‘VIOLENT CRIMINAL’. THIS COULD SOON BE THE NORM WHETHER YOU’RE A CITIZEN OR NOT. TO STAND WITH US IS TO STAND UP FOR YOURSELVES.”
The statement concluded with powerful affirmations of identity and collective strength: “BORN AND RAISED IN MEXICO. BLACK AND BROWN NO BACKING US DOWN. SOLO EL PUEBLO SALVA AL PUEBLO. IN PEACE FOR AS LONG AS POSSIBLE.”
The “Protect Los Angeles” shirt and hoodie are available for a limited time exclusively at bornxraised.com, with 100% of all proceeds dedicated to supporting CHIRLA‘s vital work in immigrant and refugee rights. De la Rocha’s vocal intervention underscores the ongoing tension surrounding immigration policies in Los Angeles and the broader pushback from community activists and prominent cultural figures.
