Rage Against The Machine’s Zack de la Rocha releases anti-ICE merch
Rage Against The Machine frontman has teamed up with streetwear brand Born X Raised to release anti-ICE merch in reaction to Trump’s LA immigration moves.
Recently, ICE’s raids of several workplaces in LA over alleged immigration violations have sparked outrage across America. In response, President Donald Trump authorised the deployment of the National Guard, allowing them to carry out anti-protest operations over the ensuing 60 days.
In reaction, the fashion brand released a “Protect Los Angeles” jumper and T-shirt. All profits from every sale go to the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights, a charity which offers legal services to immigrants facing deportation.
The Rage Against The Machine frontman quickly joined in on the action. The brand shared a statement from Rocha beneath a photograph of him wearing the hoodie on social media. His statement began, “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”.
It continued, “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 racist and armed vigilantes now invading our communities. It’s para los niños that we organize to fight for those who can’t.”
He addressed those who “stand on the sidelines” and consider themselves safe, adding that this safety is a dream. “Fascism is lawless,” he continued. “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.”
He finished with short, snappy statements to clarify his perspective and to rally greater action. “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.”
Other musicians have weighed in on the raids. Fellow musician Finneas also attended a “peaceful” anti-ICE protest in LA, and reported that he was tear-gassed at the event. “Fuck ICE”, he wrote in reaction. “If you are into this fascist shit you are small and weak and will lose”.
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