Day laborers in San Francisco say finding work has gotten harder since President Trump’s renewed immigration crackdown began. Reports of ICE raids at common hiring spots, arrests at immigration court and more employers requiring work permits have cut into the opportunities that informal workers depend on to pay rent and support their families.
In response, community organizations are stepping in with legal aid, worker protections, food and rental assistance and connections to safe jobs. Below is a guide to key resources.
Legal and Workplace Protections
California Labor Commissioner’s Office – Wage Theft Claims
Primary enforcer of California’s labor laws. Immigration status is not asked when filing a claim.
- File claims for unpaid wages, overtime and missed breaks
- Investigate retaliation, unlawful deductions and final paycheck issues
- Assistance available in Spanish; walk-in hours Monday–Friday
Address: 455 Golden Gate Ave., 10th Floor, San Francisco
Contact: (415) 703-5300 | www.dir.ca.gov/dlse
Cal/OSHA (California Division of Occupational Safety and Health)
State agency enforcing workplace safety laws. Workers can file complaints in Spanish without retaliation.
- Investigates unsafe conditions and workplace hazards
- Offers free safety publications and training materials
- Provides confidential consultation services for employers
Address: 455 Golden Gate Ave., Suite 9516, San Francisco
Contact: (415) 557-0100 | www.dir.ca.gov/dosh
CARECEN (Central American Resource Center)
Supports low-income, immigrant and Latino families with legal and wellness services.
- Immigration legal services and deportation defense
- “Know Your Rights” workshops
- Family wellness and youth programs
- Free tattoo removal clinic
Address: 3101 Mission St., San Francisco
Contact: (415) 642-4400 | www.carecensf.org
La Raza Centro Legal
Community nonprofit providing legal support for immigrant and low-income communities.
- Immigration and deportation defense
- Worker rights advocacy
- Housing and senior law programs
Address: 474 Valencia St., Suite 295, San Francisco
Contact: (415) 575-3500 | www.lrcl.org
Worker Centers and Job Resources
Mission Action (formerly Dolores Street Community Services)
Supports immigrant workers through housing, legal aid and job placement.
- Worker Center with training and job referrals
- Deportation defense and legal advocacy
- Housing and shelter support
- Hosts La Colectiva de Mujeres and SF Day Labor Program
Address: 938 Valencia St., San Francisco
Contact: (415) 282-6209 | www.missionaction.org
Mujeres Unidas y Activas (MUA)
Organization of Latina and Indigenous immigrant women for social and economic justice.
- Counseling and support groups (including Mam-speaking group)
- English classes and healing workshops
- Advocacy for immigrant rights and domestic worker justice
Address: 3543 18th St., #23, San Francisco
Contact: (415) 621-8140 | www.mujeresunidas.net
Nuevo Sol Day Labor & Domestic Worker Center
Worker-led center connecting day laborers and domestic workers with safe, fair-paying jobs.
- Job referrals for house cleaning, gardening, construction and elder/child care
- Support with wage negotiations and legal referrals
- Leadership training and worker organizing
- Community campaigns for labor and immigrant rights
Address: 2973 16th St., Suite 300, San Francisco
Contact: (415) 529-9675 | www.nuevosolsf.org
Basic Needs and Family Support
La Raza Community Resource Center (LRCRC)
Provides social services and basic needs support for immigrant families.
- Food pantry, diapers and rental assistance
- Immigration legal services including asylum and removal defense
- Family resource center with case management
Address: 474 Valencia St., #100, San Francisco
Contact: (415) 863-0764 | www.larazacrc.org
San Francisco Human Services Agency (SFHSA)
City agency providing essential safety net programs. Spanish assistance available.
- CalFresh (food stamps) and CalWORKs financial aid
- Health care access
- Job and career services
Address: 3120 Mission St. and multiple locations
Contact: (415) 557-5000 | www.sfhsa.org
Advocacy and Rapid Response
Bay Resistance
A Bay Area action network mobilizing volunteers to defend immigrant communities.
- Organizes rapid response to ICE activity
- Provides training and community defense support
Contact: info@bayresistance.org | www.bayresistance.org
Office of Civic Engagement and Immigrant Affairs (OCEIA)
City office connecting immigrants to legal aid, resources and workforce support.
- Funds pathways to Citizenship workshops and immigration legal help
- Monitors Language Access Ordinance compliance for city departments
Address: 1145 Market St., Suite 100, San Francisco
Contact: (415) 554-0600 | www.sf.gov/oceia
Need urgent help? Call 211 Bay Area (available 24/7) for referrals to food, shelter, health care and social services in your language.
Correction: An earlier version of this article misstated the role of San Francisco’s Office of Civic Engagement and Immigrant Affairs (OCEIA). OCEIA funds immigration legal services and resources, but does not provide them directly. The office also does not operate the Rapid Response Network, which is run by SFILEN with City funding.