-Editorial
Members of the Imperial Valley for Palestine group held a caravan that began at First Street in Calexico and ended at Bucklin Park on Nov. 29. The event was part of their ongoing effort to raise awareness about the conflict in Palestine.
“We’re a grassroots group,” said Fernanda Vega, a member of the organization. “We’re doing everything out of our own pockets, out of our own hearts, and we’re here today to bring awareness. We’ve done other actions to highlight what’s happening in Palestine, but today we brought food and magazines with information so people can take them home and share with their families. The goal is to spread awareness—not just in one location, but throughout all of Imperial County.”
The group’s efforts focused on reaching the community in Calexico and El Centro, with plans for future actions in other parts of the region. “Today, we’re only covering three locations, but we plan to move further north in future actions,” Vega shared.
In addition to the caravan, Imperial Valley for Palestine has been actively engaging with local governments to push for political support. Vega acknowledged the success of their efforts in Calexico, where the city council passed a resolution in support of Palestine.
However, Vega expressed frustration with the lack of action from local representatives on the broader issue of a ceasefire. “We’ve been reaching out to (Congressman) Raul Ruiz, asking him to call for a ceasefire. So far, nobody has taken a stance. Nobody has come out and said, ‘Ceasefire.’ We want him to represent us because he’s supposed to represent this area,” Vega said.
Irene Romero has been at the forefront of the fight against what she describes as the genocide happening in Gaza, Palestine. Romero, who is part of a local collective of activists, spoke out recently about her group’s efforts to raise awareness and demand accountability from global corporations and elected officials.
“McDonald’s, in particular, has supported Israel in many ways. For instance, they’re providing free meals to Israeli soldiers, and the company has publicly stated their support for Israel. But this is why we are against it. By providing these soldiers with meals, you’re essentially giving them the resources, the fuel, to carry out actions that result in atrocities and war crimes. This is just one reason. Additionally, they’ve donated funds and expressed verbal support. I don’t understand what a food company has to do with supporting a nation in this way,” Romero said.
Romero also highlighted McDonald’s broader support for Israel, which includes both financial donations and verbal endorsements.
Romero, along with other local activists, has been pushing for a ceasefire in Gaza, urging politicians like Congressman Ruiz to take a stand. “Raul Ruiz represents our community, and his votes should reflect the values of the Imperial Valley,” Romero explained. “If you ask people here whether they support sending more money to fund this war, I’m sure the majority would say no. This community needs those resources—our taxes should benefit us, not be sent off to fund wars abroad.”
Romero also voiced her concerns about President Donald Trump’s potential stance on the war in Gaza. “The reality is that the U.S. isn’t pushing for peace. The U.S. benefits from this war—oil, minerals, land, and strategic locations. There’s even a pass near Israel that could allow the U.S. to impose tariffs. The only way Donald Trump could make real change is by cutting all support to Israel—no more funding, no more annual support. We’re paying them $2 billion annually for nothing. All of that needs to stop.”
