News

Union hosts rally for MIT janitor under threat of deportation

By Vivian Zhong Jul. 12, 2017

8199 img 0356
MIT janitor Francisco Rodriguez greets supporters at a rally hosted by service workers union 32BJ SEIU in front of W20 July 11. Originally from El Salvador, Rodriguez was detained for deportation by federal immigration officials after his ICE check-in on July 13. Political figures such as Elizabeth Warren as well as members of MIT’s leadership have called for Rodriguez to be released from custody.
8200 img 0358
The #HereToStay movement has worked to prevent the deportation of immigrants across America.
8204 img 0370
About 40 people signed in at the rally.
Jisoo Min–The Tech

Building service workers union 32BJ SEIU hosted a rally for MIT janitor Francisco Rodriguez in front of the student center at noon Tuesday, July 11. Rodriguez arrived in the U.S. from El Savador in 2006; after being refused asylum in 2007, he has received yearly Stays of Removal, which allow him to remain in the country, until this past month. He is due for a mandatory check-in with New England’s ICE office tomorrow. Rodriguez has worked at MIT for five years.

Approximately 40 people checked in at the rally, Franklin Soults, an organizer with 32BJ, estimated in an email to The Tech. Speakers at the rained-on rally included Denise Simmons, mayor of Cambridge, Lily Huang, an organizer at Jobs with Justice, Ashti Shah ’20, and John DiFava, the MIT chief of police.