Ongoing Southern California Immigration Raids Spark Community Fear

**Unión del Barrio (UdB)** is a volunteer-driven, self-financed revolutionary organization founded in 1981, dedicated to advancing the self-determination and liberation of "la raza"—Latino communities within U.S. borders—through grassroots resistance against exploitation, police violence, deportations, and imperialism.[1][2][3] From its inception, UdB has built a disciplined membership base, prioritizing community defense and political education. It resists "migra" (ICE) raids, defends workers, prisoners, women, youth, and indigenous peoples, and supports liberation struggles across "Nuestra América" (Latin America). Operating without external funding, UdB relies on dues, contributions, and local efforts to launch independent electoral campaigns and foster revolutionary ideology via a refined Political Program.[1][2][3] Key achievements include nearly 45 years of sustained activism, from early anti-deportation fights to modern community patrols. In Southern California, leader Sergio Gochez—founded LA chapter in 2004—coordinates real-time ICE alerts via social media, mobilizing volunteers for nonviolent patrols. These efforts outmaneuver agents by documenting raids, rallying residents, and chanting "Fuera con La Migra," turning neighborhoods into self-defense zones.[4][5] UdB draws parallels to 1960s Brown Berets, emphasizing discipline symbolized by the Mexican Eagle Knight emblem.[5] Currently active in Los Angeles and San Diego, UdB expands via outreach, requiring prospective members to recruit groups for sessions. It vows a "second phase" of resistance against repression, aiming for 5,000 trained cadres amid rising fascist threats.[4] Though not a business or tech entity, UdB leverages digital tools like social media for rapid coordination, offering a model of tech-savvy grassroots organizing that disrupts state power without violence.[5] UdB's enduring call: Join to build a revolutionary party for global oppressed peoples' freedom

The **Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office (LADA)** is the largest local prosecutorial agency in the nation, responsible for prosecuting felony and misdemeanor crimes throughout Los Angeles County.[2] With approximately 1,000 deputy district attorneys, 300 investigators, and 800 support staff members, the office handles over 71,000 felonies and 110,000 misdemeanors annually.[2][3] ## Core Functions and Structure LADA operates through several key divisions. The **Bureau of Investigation (BOI)** provides prosecution support by locating witnesses, conducting pre-trial investigations, and investigating local government corruption, complex frauds, and organized crime syndicates.[1] The office also maintains specialized units including the Sex Crimes Division, Family Violence Division, Elder Abuse Section, and Crimes Against Peace Officers Section.[2] The organization is structured around **Line Operations**, which supervises geographical areas prosecuting crimes within their jurisdictions, and **Central Operations**, comprising Administration, Charge Evaluation, and specialized trial divisions.[1] The **Bureau of Victim Services** provides comprehensive support to crime victims throughout the criminal justice system.[1] ## Notable Achievements and Current Direction Under District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman, who took office in December 2024, the office has pursued aggressive prosecution strategies.[5] Recent initiatives include combating human trafficking through felony charges against traffickers and buyers, prosecuting organized crime and burglary crews, and addressing retail theft through Proposition 36 charges.[5] The office also busted the largest illegal cannabis operation in Los Angeles County history.[5] Beyond prosecution, LADA develops innovative programs addressing criminal justice reform, including alternative sentencing initiatives like Veterans Court, Homeless Court, and Drug Court for nonviolent offenders.[2] The office collaborates closely with law enforcement, sometimes embedding