Magdalena Lopez would describe herself as a loner, but when families in Kern County face immigration enforcement, she makes sure someone is there. Sometimes that someone is her.
Born in Los Angeles and raised across Southern California, Lopez joined the military at 18, in search of health insurance and a way to support her child. She spent eight years in the Navy as a firefighter, including three years as a firefighting instructor in San Diego.
Lopez became involved with the Rapid Response Network of Kern after the immigration raids in January. At the time, she wasn’t part of any organization. She simply began showing up and standing outside courthouses with a handmade “Know Your Rights” sign, handing out information cards, and attending protests on her own.
Rapid Response volunteers assist with accompaniments to immigration appointments, investigate reports of possible ICE activity, act as legal observers at community events, and help distribute food to families impacted by detention or fear of enforcement…