Los Jornaleros del Norte: Music as Advocacy for Day Laborers
A musical group composed primarily of day laborers has performed at multiple events in Southern California over the past year, including a protest outside a detention center and a memorial for a deceased laborer. The group states its performances are intended to show support for detained individuals and affect the mood at demonstrations.
Recent Performances
Detention Center Protest
Last month, the group Los Jornaleros del Norte performed on a mobile stage outside an immigrant detention center located north of Los Angeles. The performance was part of a protest event, with music directed toward the facility.
During the performance, a woman in the crowd reported receiving a phone call from her father, who was detained inside the center. She stated he could hear the music from within the facility.
Memorial for Day Laborer
On a separate recent evening, the group performed in a Home Depot parking lot east of Los Angeles. The location was chosen because, weeks earlier, a day laborer named Carlos Roberto Montoya Valdéz was killed after being struck by a car in that parking lot. According to reports, the incident occurred while Valdéz was attempting to evade immigration agents.
The group's performance at this event included songs described as tributes. Group director Omar León stated the song selection was intended to honor Valdéz's life and included themes of life, struggle, and love.
Background on Los Jornaleros del Norte
The group's name translates to "The Day Laborers of the North." It was formed in the mid-1990s by a group of workers. Multiple sources state the formation occurred after members witnessed an immigration enforcement action at a location where day laborers were seeking health services.
Most members of the group are current or former day laborers. The group works closely with the National Day Laborer Organizing Network and has performed at immigrant and workers' rights events for approximately three decades.
Their musical style includes Mexican cumbias and corridos, a narrative ballad style. Their songs often address themes related to undocumented workers.
Increased Activity and Stated Goals
Multiple sources report the group has increased its performance schedule over the past year. This increase coincides with the timing of federal immigration enforcement actions that began in the Los Angeles area in June of the previous year. The group often performs at locations where immigration enforcement actions have recently occurred.
"The music aims to redirect emotions at protests and can minimize tension during demonstrations." — Omar León, Group Director
Statements from Group Members:
- Omar León (Group Director): León stated the group began organizing to perform at locations where immigration enforcement actions occurred.
- Loyda Alvarado (Lead Singer): Alvarado stated that performing lively music at somber locations initially felt difficult, but she views the performances as a form of resistance and a way to maintain cultural connections.
- Manuel Vicente (Conga Player): Vicente stated the music is intended to show detained individuals that their community is waiting for them outside and advocating for their return.