“I have a responsibility to myself and my community. We need to ask the hard questions to our elected officials.”
Every morning is a rollercoaster full of emotions—grief, frustration…
That’s how Corissa Hernández feels: activist, teacher, and entrepreneur, among many other social causes.
Just under a year ago, she shared her frustration about the situation the Latino community was facing—being continually attacked without any acknowledgment of the importance they represent in California’s history, culture, and economy.
Back then, shortly after Donald Trump’s election victory, Corissa told Parriva:
“I don’t feel defeated, I feel angry and empowered. We need to educate the community, share information, and work together to fight… I can’t accept that they want to take away those dreams. We are the backbone of this country.”
For her, changing the narrative is crucial.
“Many people tell me they voted for Trump because of the economy. I ask them, ‘And how did you think he was going to do that?’” she added.
Months later, things have worsened. Los Angeles—and the country as a whole—is undergoing an unprecedented attack on the Latino community, social benefits, the LGBTQ community, and more.
“Some of us knew what was coming—this terrible situation with mass deportations—but I believe a large segment of the community had no idea,” she says.
Every day, dozens of ICE agents descend on Los Angeles. Many wear no uniforms or carry any identification. They beat immigrants, chase them, and use every trick they can to ‘kidnap’ them—often with no regard for the law. These so-called agents have become nothing more than ‘immigrant hunters.’
“It’s a time of terror, where the color of your skin is already a crime. But this situation also fills me with frustration. It’s unacceptable that with this third crisis we’re going through, we don’t have a playbook—we’re just reacting as things happen,” says Corissa, owner of Nativo, a restaurant-bar where she also promotes community meetings to share information, ideas, plans, and projects that impact the community.
“We have an economic deficit that’s putting pressure on the city, and it’s all because of the treatment given to the LAPD—the cost, what the city has to pay for their policing actions in the community,” she says angrily.
She adds that this situation creates a feeling of powerlessness, where many feel desperate because they don’t see any response from politicians or city leaders. The community is suffering, and it seems like no one is representing them.
“The community must hold them accountable for what’s happening—for the lack of action, for the lack of a plan to protect residents. We can’t just have hope—we need a plan of action,” she adds.
Corissa as a part of the Boyle Heights Chamber of Commerce, has led efforts to organize workshops that share information with business owners—restaurants, bars—so they can protect their workers and businesses from ICE raids.
“I feel like the hospitality sector is next. We have to offer a safe space and protect customers and workers however we can. It’s hard, I know—we’re up against people who act outside the law. We know our industry depends on immigrants—you’d have to be blind not to see it. There are things we can do, even if they seem small. The least we can do is educate ourselves and fight,” she says.
“One seemingly simple yet crucial piece of advice is to remind customers not to run if ICE is present. Instead, they should walk calmly, as running can make it easier for agents to target or detain them.”
“We need to turn down the music and announce that ICE is present,” she says.
For Corissa, this situation goes beyond her business—it’s a fight for the community.
Months ago, she declared: “It’s time to punch back.” And for her, that moment is every second, every day.
“I have a responsibility to myself and my community. We need to ask the hard questions to our elected officials. Call their offices. Elections are coming—if they don’t respond, there are other candidates for those positions,” she says.
Her work doesn’t stop. In addition to running her business and organizing workshops, she helps promote fundraisers and supports the work of various organizations.
“I see my parents in the immigrant community — It breaks my heart and fuels my anger to keep fighting. They worked so hard—just like the people being violently arrested,” she says.
INFORMATION
Know Your Rights Workshop
Monday 30th, 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Location provided upon registration
Phone: (323) 526-9332
Website: https://www.boyleheightschamber.org
