UFCW 663 is grounded in the belief that every member deserves to have their rights respected, and as a Union, we stand up to defend those rights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The best outcomes happen when members reach out as soon as possible<\/em><\/strong>, and when their workplace is well organized<\/em><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In early 2026, Ivan, a UFCW 663 member who has worked at his neighborhood grocery store for over a decade and lived in the U.S. for 20 years, was detained by ICE outside his workplace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To his coworkers, Ivan is someone they can always count on. One coworker said this about about him:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cHe\u2019s always willing to help others and go above and beyond, helping and training our team. There’s never a day at work where he doesn\u2019t ask me how my family is doing.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n A coworker who witnessed the detainment alerted others in the store, who quickly contacted their steward. Union staff were notified within minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n That same day, UFCW 663 connected Ivan with legal support that helped file a habeas petition,<\/strong> challenging his detention and demanding his release or a bond hearing. Meanwhile, Union staff visited the store to support coworkers, share know-your-rights information, and provide escorts to workers\u2019 cars.<\/p>\n\n\n\n ICE transferred Ivan to a detention center in Texas, more than 1,000 miles from his family. His coworkers organized a GoFundMe. Within days, more than $19,000<\/strong> was raised to cover legal and related expenses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Union staff also helped Ivan prepare for the bond hearing, gathering letters of support from coworkers, his managers, and community members. Before the hearing took place, ICE released Ivan. He is now home with his family, just 13 days after being detained, and back at work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ivan\u2019s release was possible because his coworkers acted immediately and because his workplace is organized, which allows for information and resources to move quickly. Workers can achieve more when they have strong, reliable relationships with one another.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Watch the video below to hear directly from Ivan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n