Immigration, East L.A., Barrio Musings
A weekly newsletter dedicated to Mexican American news, politics, and commentary.
DAILY CHELA LINKS
Bomb The Wall: Musings From The Beltway To The Barrio
The new book, “Bomb The Wall,” by Chela Media founder Brandon Loran Maxwell debuted at 83 on Amazon’s top 100 bestsellers book list on Tuesday.
The book compiles 50+ essays and columns, riffing on everything from American politics (immigration, prison, Chicano culture) to pop culture (lowriders, music, cholo culture).
"Bomb The Wall!" not only unapologetically rebuffs the establishment with biting satire and witty commentary, but draws from Brandon's own unruly upbringing to look ahead and shatter the mold of what it means to be an engaged American.
Grab the book at Amazon or Barnes & Noble.
IMMIGRATION: ICE TO RESTRICT BOND RIGHTS
The Trump administration has significantly restricted the ability of individuals facing deportation to be released from immigration detention, marking a new step in its broad immigration enforcement efforts, sources familiar with the change told CBS News.
By reinterpreting a 1990s-era immigration law, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is now directing its attorneys to argue in court that people who entered the U.S. illegally are not eligible for bond.
In the past, ICE’s mandatory detention policy primarily applied to recent border-crossers and noncitizens with certain criminal convictions. Immigrants who had been living unlawfully in the U.S. for years were often granted bond hearings, where they could try to convince a judge they weren’t a flight risk and should be allowed to remain free while their deportation cases proceeded.
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POLL: NO CLEAR 2026 FRONTRUNNER... NEWSOM, MAYOR PETE TIED AT 12%
A new poll conducted by Echelon Insights highlights ongoing divisions within the Democratic Party as it looks to recover from its 2024 election loss.
Among potential presidential contenders, California Governor Gavin Newsom and former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg lead the field, each garnering support from 12 percent of respondents. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, known for her appeal to the party's progressive base, came in third with 9 percent support, showing strong backing from left-leaning Democrats despite being a polarizing figure nationally.
Other notable figures in the race include New Jersey Senator Cory Booker with 8 percent, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz with 7 percent, and Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro at 5 percent. No other potential candidate received more than 5 percent support, underscoring the lack of a dominant frontrunner and the fragmentation within the party.
The poll surveyed 1,084 likely voters between June 10 and July 14, 2025, and carries a margin of error of plus or minus 3.6 percentage points. The results suggest that the Democratic Party faces significant challenges not only in defining its platform but also in rallying around a leader who can unify its various factions.
HOW CHICANOS RESHAPED THE UNITED STATES
From the 1836 Texas revolt to now, Mexicans and Mexican Americans have been shuffled across both sides of the border, either by force or by choice. Because of this history, an assortment of border identities has formed, the most notable being Chicano.
In a country that has often made them feel like outsiders, second class citizens, and an expendable labor force, Chicanos have a long history of mobilizing on behalf of rights and liberties.
Here is a brief account of five significant Chicano movements in the U.S. and the methods they used to secure a political voice.
THROWBACK: THE EAST L.A. CHICANO WHO CAPTURED 1,500 SOLDIERS
One of the great pending tasks in writing the history of World War II is the recognition of Chicanos and Latinos in general. Many Mexican Americans who were on the north side of the border in the 1940s fought bravely and stood out for their heroism.
But possibly none have risen to the greatness of Guy Gabaldon, the Chicano who singlehandedly captured 1,500 prisoners during the invasion of Saipan in the Pacific.
The Battle of Saipan has been called the D-Day of the Eastern Front for its strategic importance. However, on the day of his greatest feat, Gabaldon was only 18. And he didn’t fire a single shot. But how did he do it?
LINKS FROM THE WEB
COMING IN AUGUST: DEFIANT HISTORY
Defiant History is a compelling new micro‑documentary series created by filmmaker Brandon Loran Maxwell, best known for his work on American Homeboy. The series debuts August 4 on the Daily Chela YouTube channel, with plans to expand to major streaming later this year.
The three‑episode pilot dives into underrepresented slices of American subculture—like lowrider club plaques, Teen Angels magazine, prison‑based rehabilitation efforts, and graffiti art. Featured voices include Compton’s David Oropeza (Tattoo Nation), members of Sullen Art Collective, and artists from the Venice art walls.
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