AFSCME Local 3299 Action Center
Justice for Jesus Gutierrez

Jesus Gutierrez, a food service worker and active member of AFSCME Local 3299, was arrested at UC Berkeley on April 29, 2009 on misdemeanor charges. 

Though not required by law, UC Police called Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to report Jesus, forcing him into indefinite detention at Santa Rita Jail. 

UC violated the immigrant rights contract language we won after our five-day strike by calling ICE, and failing to give proper union notification. 

Let's call on UC Chancellor Birgeneau to end UC/ICE cooperation, follow our new contract language, and declare UC Berkeley a sanctuary campus!

Contact Chancellor Birgeneau now!

Sample Letter for Campaign

Subject: Justice for Jesus Gutierrez

Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,

Jesus Gutierrez, a food service worker and active member of AFSCME Local 3299, was arrested at UC Berkeley on April 29, 2009 on misdemeanor charges.

While not required by law, UC Berkeley called Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to report Jesus, forcing him into indefinite detention at Santa Rita Jail.

UC Berkeley violated the immigrant rights contract language Jesus and his co-workers won after a five-day strike by contacting ICE and failing to give proper union notification.

We demand justice for Jesus, an end to UC/ICE cooperation, that you respect our new union contract, and that you declare UC Berkeley a sanctuary campus.

Sincerely,

Campaign Launched:
May 19, 2009


Background Information

Background on Justice for Jesus:

1/09-UC service workers win an unprecedented contract victory that includes protections for immigrant workers.

4/09-UCPD investigates Jesus Gutierrez with the assistance of UC Human Resources

4/29/09-UCPD arrests Jesus Gutierrez from his work at Clark Kerr Dining Hall at UC Berkeley.  Jesus requested and was denied union representation.  UCPD contacted ICE after the arrest; UCPD is not obligated to contact ICE.  ICE put a hold on Jesus, forcing him into indefinite detention at Santa Rita Jail.

5/1/09 - Thousands across the Bay Area march for immigrant and workers rights.

5/4/09 - The Supreme Court rules that the federal government has been inappropriately using identity theft laws to prosecute immigrants.

5/19/09-Jesus continues to be held at Santa Rita Jail.

5/21/09-Jesus Gutierrez's hearing is scheduled at the Alameda County Courthouse in Oakland.