Our Union Stands Ready to Protect and Defend Somali Child Care Providers & Families!

UDW is aware of ongoing harassment and intimidation by right-wing extremists who are spreading fear and targeting Somali family child care providers in San Diego and the children in their care.

Let us be clear: our union will not stand for this.

UDW remains fully committed to protecting and supporting Somali child care providers and to ensuring that all children and families are treated with dignity, safety, and respect. Acts of fear-mongering, surveillance, or harassment have no place in our communities, and we are taking this threat seriously.

You Are Not Alone — We Are Here to Support You

If you are being targeted, threatened, or harassed in any way, contact UDW immediately. We are actively building a rapid response network to better support our Somali community. While this work continues, there are important steps you can take right now to protect yourself, your program, and the children in your care.

Safety and Reporting

If you have been targeted, surveilled, or notice suspicious or unwelcome visitors at your child care facility:

    • Call 911 immediately to report the incident to local law enforcement.

    • Contact San Diego Child Care Licensing by calling (619) 767-2200.

    • Include your assigned licensing analyst on the email as a courtesy.

    • Attach any documentation or proof showing that you are following required licensing procedures.

Taking these steps helps ensure the incident is properly documented and that you are protected under licensing regulations.

Know Your Rights

We strongly encourage providers to download, print, and carry Know Your Rights cards — or save them on your phone. These cards can be shared with family and friends and help protect you if questioned by immigration officials or law enforcement by asserting your constitutional rights. UDW has created a Know Your Rights Guide. Visit, save, and share: www.udw.org/yourrights

Safety Signage

UDW has prepared free, downloadable signage to help protect your premises from unauthorized visitors and immigration enforcement. Posting signs such as “Employees, Children, and Their Families Only” at entry points can help safeguard your facility and establish clear boundaries. Download safety signage here.

You are not alone. Your union stands with you and will continue to defend you, your families, and the children you care for.