On Thursday night, civil rights advocate and United Farm Workers Association co-founder Dolores Huerta appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live at the invitation of actor Diego Luna. During the segment, Huerta discussed how people can stay hopeful during difficult times and shared important advice on what to do if approached or detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Huerta, alongside César Chávez, led the historic Delano grape strike, which resulted in a nationwide grape boycott. She continues to champion social justice today, actively advocating for farmworkers, immigrants, and underserved communities.
Luna, who has been guest-hosting the late-night show, has used the platform to spotlight issues such as immigration policy, ICE raids in Los Angeles, the vital role of immigrants, and the impact of the Trump administration’s enforcement tactics.
Huerta also spoke about her nonprofit organization, the Dolores Huerta Foundation, which empowers individuals to organize and improve their communities. The foundation provides tools and education to help people recognize their collective power and identify areas needing change.
With growing civil unrest fueled by increased ICE raids and arrests targeting both immigrants and U.S. citizens, many Americans are pushing back against the Trump administration’s immigration agenda. The administration has made it clear that it intends to detain as many migrants as possible, regardless of whether they have criminal convictions. ICE, Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and Border Patrol agents have reportedly used aggressive and unlawful tactics, including slashing tires, physical violence, and violating individuals’ rights.
In their conversation, Luna asked Huerta a question many are still grappling with:
“How do you keep your positivity, hope and what keeps you moving forward?”
“I’ve seen over the decades that you do see change. It takes a long time sometimes, but the thing that we know is that change happens when people are the ones that make it happen. Otherwise it doesn’t happen,” Huerta replied.
As the administration continues its crackdown on immigration and detains thousands—often without due process—Luna followed up by asking what people should do if confronted by ICE or detained.
Huerta offered the following advice for anyone who might face such a situation:
- Stay silent. Don’t say anything or provide any information.
- Don’t sign anything. If they hand you a document, do not sign it.
- Memorize a phone number of someone you can contact for help.
