On Friday, January 30, the rave and techno community is being called to action. WORK, a collaborative effort between 6AM Group and Synthetik Minds, is organizing a daytime march and protest in Los Angeles as part of the Nationwide General Strike, urging the scene to stand together with a clear message: ICE out of our communities.
The action reflects a long-standing belief within underground dance culture: that community care, safety, and resistance are deeply connected.
What’s happening?
The gathering begins at 12:30 PM at the corner of 1st Street and San Pedro Street in Little Tokyo, Los Angeles. From there, attendees will march together to Los Angeles City Hall, joining the larger 1:00 PM citywide protest.
WORK is calling on promoters, event curators, DJs, nightlife staff, and ravers to participate in the daytime shutdown while continuing to hold space for the community at night. According to organizers, regularly scheduled Friday and Saturday events will still take place, reframed as intentional safe spaces where people can gather, connect, and support one another during a time of uncertainty.
Portions of event proceeds will also be donated to grassroots organizations assisting individuals impacted by ICE and DHS actions.
Why is this important?
Electronic music, particularly the underground and techno, has always been shaped by marginalized voices and shared culture across borders. Many artists, fans, and workers within the scene are immigrants or come from communities directly affected by systemic targeting.
The culture has historically created spaces where people can exist freely, regardless of nationality, race, gender, or identity. For many in the scene, speaking out against illegal detainment isn’t even “politics”, it’s about protecting the core values of unity, freedom, and belonging that the culture was built on.
As WORK organizers put it, “resistance and care can coexist, and this culture has always known how to hold both at the same time.”
The Community Speaks Up
Artists and collectives across electronic music have been increasingly vocal this week.
Seven Lions addressed fans directly, posting on his story: “If you are racist, homophobic, sexist, fascist, you have no refuge here. That’s not politics, it’s human decency. If you think it’s okay for armed, untrained, masked groups to walk the street and stop people based on their skin color or the language they speak and to use violence with impunity then you need a history lesson.”
Other artists have echoed similar sentiments. Ray Volpe used his platform to call attention to what’s happening, while Wooli shared his perspective in his own characteristically direct and humorous way.
Together, these voices reflect a broader moment where artists are choosing to engage as members of a scene built on shared humanity.
Know Your Rights & How to Keep Each Other Safe
Participation looks different for everyone, but organizers stress that awareness without action isn’t enough. If you or someone near you encounters ICE or other immigration enforcement, know your rights. Everyone in the U.S. has constitutional rights, regardless of immigration status.
- United We Dream – Know Your Rights
Clear, community-focused guidance on what to do if ICE approaches you at home, work, or in public.
👉 https://unitedwedream.org/resources/know-your-rights/ - National Immigrant Justice Center – ICE Encounters
Information on preparing for enforcement encounters and what to do if someone is detained.
👉 https://immigrantjustice.org/for-immigrants/know-your-rights/ - ACLU – Immigrants’ Rights
Legal explanations and updates on immigrant protections and civil liberties.
👉 https://www.aclu.org/issues/immigrants-rights
Many cities have local rapid-response networks maintained by immigrant-rights groups or mutual aid collectives, often providing the most up-to-date information.
- United We Dream Emergency Text Line:
Text “RAIDS” to 877-877 for real-time guidance and resources.
If someone has been detained, the ICE Detainee Locator can help you find where they are being held.
- ICE Detainee Locator 👉 https://locator.ice.gov/odls/
To get more involved, continue amplifying artists and collectives speaking out within the scene and support legal defense organizations such as ones included below:
- CHIRLA (Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights)
Direct services, legal support, and advocacy (CA-based).
👉 https://www.chirla.org/donate - Immigrant Defense Project
Legal tools, guides, and systemic defense strategies.
👉 https://www.immigrantdefenseproject.org - National Immigration Law Center (NILC)
Policy advocacy and rights education.
👉 https://www.nilc.org - UndocuHub
A directory of verified aid efforts, resources, and emergency support.
👉 https://www.undocuhub.org