Board of Directors Statement: Sones de México Ensemble Standing for Immigrant Rights and Opposing Mass Deportations

January 24, 2025

The Board of Directors of Sones de México Ensemble stands in firm opposition to the mass deportations promised by the current administration and the fear these threats have instilled in immigrant communities across the United States. We urge our legislators to implement a lawful and realistic immigration reform that offers a path to legalization to the massive population that the U.S. has become dependent upon, and that currently enjoys limited protection from the law. As an organization with deep roots in the Mexican-American and broader Latinx communities, we feel a deep responsibility to speak out against these unjust policies that target vulnerable families and individuals seeking safety, opportunity, and a better life.

The recent threats of mass deportations and the intensification of enforcement actions have created an environment of anxiety and fear in immigrant communities. Families are fearful of being torn apart, and communities that have long contributed to the social, cultural, and economic fabric of the United States are now living under the constant threat of separation.

For 30 years, Sones de México Ensemble has been an integral part of the Mexican-American community, committed to preserving and promoting the rich cultural traditions of Mexico. Over the decades, we have had the privilege of serving not only the Mexican community but also the many other immigrant communities that call this country home—those from Guatemala, El Salvador, Venezuela, and beyond. We stand in solidarity with them as they face the fear and uncertainty sparked by the rhetoric and policies of the current administration.

These policies are more than just political statements—they are personal, they are painful, and they are destroying the fabric of our communities. Immigrants from Mexico and other Latin American countries have always been integral to the success and vitality of this nation. They are teachers, healthcare workers, construction workers, artists, and so much more. They have built homes, families, and futures in this country and continue to contribute to its growth and prosperity every day.

For many of us, including our own members and their families, this is not a distant issue but a deeply personal one. As immigrants and the children of immigrants ourselves, we understand the immense challenges that come with starting anew in a foreign land. We know the sacrifices that immigrant families make in order to build a better future, only to be met with the devastating fear of being separated from loved ones or deported back to situations of violence, instability, or poverty. These threats affect not only the undocumented, but also U.S. citizens, children, and spouses who live in constant fear that their families will be ripped apart without warning.

As an organization that has been an advocate for Mexican-American and Latinx communities for over three decades, we are appalled by the attacks on immigrant families, and we stand against the mass deportations and raids that threaten to destabilize the lives of so many people. We believe that these policies are not only harmful, but also unjust, and we will continue to fight for the protection of all immigrant communities, regardless of their status.

We call on our elected officials to take immediate action to halt these deportations and to prioritize compassionate immigration policies that ensure families are kept together, that due process is upheld, and that immigrants are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve. It is time for our country to remember the values that make us great—compassion, fairness, and a commitment to justice for all people.

In the face of fear, we will stand firm. In the face of injustice, we will continue to fight. We will not remain silent as our immigrant brothers and sisters, from Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Venezuela, and beyond, are threatened by these cruel policies. We reaffirm our commitment to being a voice for immigrant rights and to ensuring that the promise of this nation is truly extended to everyone, no matter their immigration status.

With courage, unity, and unwavering dedication,

The Board of Directors
Sones de México Ensemble