On May 1, 2025, the Culinary Union held a rally titled “We Believe in Us” on the Las Vegas Strip. Over a thousand hospitality workers and community members attended the May Day event to show support for immigrant workers. The Culinary Union emphasized the importance of standing in solidarity, reminding workers of their rights regardless of immigration status.
Ted Pappageorge, Secretary-Treasurer for the Culinary Union, stated, “The United States of America is a nation of immigrants and our economy depends on immigrant labor.” He criticized the Trump Administration’s stance on immigration, mentioning the case of Kilmar Garcia, a union sheet metal apprentice deported to El Salvador, despite being in the U.S. legally. “His union fought back and the U.S. Supreme Court ordered the government to bring Kilmar home,” Pappageorge explained.
Diana Valles, President of the Culinary Union, observed, “ICE raids, family separations, wrongful deportations like Kilmar Garcia – it’s shameful, dangerous, and it must end.” Valles highlighted the importance of unity and fighting for immigrant workers’ rights, mentioning contract protections achieved by the union.
The rally featured remarks from Joe Spica, a longtime union member, who said, “If we don’t stand up and fight for our rights to due process, then one day, when you might see someone you know being unjustly deported to another country like Kilmar Garcia, without due process. It could be your brother, sister, mom, dad, your kids, or even your co-worker.”
The event was supported by numerous community partners, including AFSCME 4041, Bartenders Union Local 165, and the Progressive Leadership Alliance of Nevada. The Culinary Union has achieved robust immigrant rights in contracts, including due process guarantees for workers, even in non-union settings. In case of complaints or unjust detentions, the union ensures job security and representation.
Culinary Workers Union Local 226 is the largest union of immigrant workers in Nevada, representing about 60,000 workers across the Las Vegas region. The organization has been active for 90 years, advocating for fair treatment and rights of workers in the hospitality industry.
The Culinary Union, affiliated with UNITE HERE, called on the media to inform Nevadans about their rights, especially in light of ICE activity, urging residents to know and assert their rights in any interactions with immigration officers.
For more information, the union directs members and allies to visit their website and follow their updates on social media.
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