“Day laborer centers, seven city-contracted hubs often nestled on private commercial property, have become battlegrounds.”

“Nonprofit organizations like CARECEN demand millions in local taxpayer dollars not to help workers find jobs, but to shield illegal aliens from lawful federal enforcement by ICE.”

“At a time when Bass proposes a $14.9 billion budget that already strains under homelessness, crime, and basic services, groups like CARECEN have the audacity to testify before the City Council’s Budget and Finance Committee, begging for a $2 million boost, from $1 million to $3 million, to install cameras, reinforce doors, and train staff on “making it harder” for US Border Patrol to enforce immigration law.”

“CARECEN and its allies frame these centers as lifelines for “exploited day laborers.””

“In reality, they are the exploiters, and operate their centers as de facto safe zones for individuals who have no legal right to work in the United States.”

“Maegan Ortiz, CARECEN’s own executive director, used the April 2026 Los Angeles budget hearing to call for boycotting the company while simultaneously demanding more city money to “defend” against raids.”