In response to the increased hate, racism, bigotry and anxiety brought on by the election of Trump and his appointment of an ultra-right cabinet, Damayan launched its new critical effort, Magtanggol: Defend Our Communities! Defend Ourselves! The campaign has included completing 12 Know Your Immigration Rights trainings, including one held at the Philippine Consulate General New York.

Trump campaigned on a rabid anti-immigrant, anti-labor, anti-women, anti-LGBTQI, and anti-Muslim platform, and Damayan was prepared for him to follow through with his promises. Therefore, Damayan, in partnership with the Community Development Project at the Urban Justice Center, and the Immigrant Defense Project, provided Damayan members and the public, with hands on training, meant to combat ICE raids and build community defense teams. The trainings included guest attorney speakers who spoke on the current immigration landscape and what to do if stopped by the Police, Immigration Agents, or the FBI. They also, along with Damayan community organizers, provided training for creating individual safety planning, community defense teams, and other ways to protect and organize our community for the future. By the end of each training, each neighborhood formed a team meant to form a response to potential community raids.

Under the Constitution of the United States, everyone living in the U.S., including those undocumented, have assured basic rights. That is why Damayan is seizing every opportunity to educate, organize and mobilize, so we can fight back against the present demagoguery of hate and bigotry! Join us!