Washington, DC – People For the American Way Foundation and the Dolores Huerta Foundation for Community Organizing proudly announce the release of “The People, United,” a powerful new short video urging Americans to reject the cruelty and denial of due process of the federal ICE raids—and to meet this moment with creative, peaceful non-cooperation.
This fictionalized account offers an aspirational example of community strength and solidarity, reminding us how, throughout history, vulnerable groups have been indiscriminately rounded up while others stood by in silence.
In “The People, United,” survivors of the Holocaust and the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II intervene as an ICE agent zip-ties the hands of a grandmother who has lived in the U.S. for forty years. Through visceral narrative storytelling, the film delivers a clear message: we must not repeat the painful mistakes of the past.
“In our news feeds, we have seen disturbing scenes of ICE agents treating even law-abiding immigrants and their supporters with callous disregard for their humanity and basic civil rights,” said Svante Myrick, president of People For the American Way Foundation. “This short narrative film offers an inspiring vision—one where justice prevails because enough of us remember our history and have the courage to show up for our neighbors.”
Across the country, countless examples of peaceful resistance are already underway—from school superintendents refusing ICE entry, to volunteers distributing know-your-rights fliers, to neighborhood patrols alerting residents when ICE officials are present.
The creative force behind “The People, United” is Ellen Gavin, a writer, producer, and social activist based in Los Angeles and New York City. Her previous short-form videos have reached tens of millions of viewers across digital platforms.
In this project, Gavin features legendary organizer and longtime People For board member Dolores Huerta. Huerta is the President of the Dolores Huerta Foundation and co-founder of the United Farm Workers. Huerta’s life’s work has been honored with numerous prestigious awards. At 95, she continues to travel the country championing justice for all.
About People For the American Way Foundation
People For the American Way Foundation is a national organization that educates and inspires Americans to defend freedom, justice, and democracy from those who threaten to take them away. For more than four decades, we have been dedicated to making the promise of America real for everyone and have worked toward a vision of a vibrant America where basic rights and freedoms are upheld for all, not just the wealthy and the powerful. Learn more: http://www.peoplefor.org/foundation
About the Dolores Huerta Foundation for Community Organizing
The Dolores Huerta Foundation passionately advocates for social justice, focusing on empowering marginalized communities through grassroots organizing, civic engagement, and education initiatives. By championing the rights of underrepresented populations, we strive to create a more equitable and inclusive society for all.
