In response to escalating immigration raids, the Teatro Jornalero group, comprising mostly undocumented immigrants, has ceased public performances to avoid potential deportation risks. The group's mission has been to highlight their urgent stories and sacrifices through theater. Eric Leenson noted the heightened caution around activities that could endanger participants, while founder Holly Alonso emphasized the importance of sharing experiences as a means of visibility and community connection. Their last show, conducted without publicity, symbolized the risks these performers are facing in this climate of fear.
"Every activity we have, we have to step back for a second and think is this endangering anyone in any way," said Eric Leenson, co-chair of the Friends of La Pena Immigrant Rights committee.
"Jornaleros, most people don't know them. They are waiting near Home Depot, they are in their work clothes. No one knows who they are and there are just all kinds of fears and imaginations that are completely weird and wild and now more than ever, they need to tell their stories," said Holly Alonso, founder of Teatro Jornaleros.
"The second half is the coyote saying 'let's cross the border' and the second scene is telling what happens after that and then it ends with a summary talking about what has happened to each of them," said Alonso.
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