“Andor” star Diego Luna debuted as a guest host for “Jimmy Kimmel Live” Monday night and gave an impassioned speech about immigrants amid President Donald Trump’s increased ICE raids across the country.
“Tonight, I want to address an important issue that is happening here in Los Angeles and all around the United States,” he said Monday night, which was his first time hosting a late-night talk show. “With everything going on in this country around immigration and authoritarian policies of Donald Trump, it is no small thing that a Mexican is hosting such an important show. It’s a big deal and I really hope not to fuck it up.”
Luna, who has earned rave reviews for Season 2 of his “Star Wars” show “Andor,” discussed his love for Los Angeles and its people, which includes many immigrants.
“The people that lifted me up were mostly people that had left their countries to find a new life, or the sons and daughters of immigrants that had come here in order to work and build a healthy, enjoyable and dignified life, away from their place of origin,” he said. “A movement of that scale, that’s not natural, not unless something is very, very wrong in the place you are coming from. Nobody leaves their land if it’s not because their survival depends on it. Nobody leaves their past behind, just for fun. But you know what? All the people that I met shared an unspoken gratitude to this country, a country that opened its doors to them.”
Earlier this month, Trump sent National Guard troops to Los Angeles amid city-wide ICE raids, which drew massive protests around the country.
“I have never been able to fully understand how it is that someone like Donald Trump is able to acquire this level of power. I always struggle to understand how his hate speech can take root in a country whose nature has always been a welcoming one,” Luna said. “Today, many people are feeling persecuted. Far too many people live in fear. Fear of taking their kids to school or going to places where they earn an honest living. These people, they’re your neighbors, your friends, immigrants. This is very unfair and let me tell you why: the multiple times that this country has had to rebuild itself, immigrants were always there to pick up the slack. Earlier this year, when L.A. burned, immigrant workers risked their lives to stop the flames.”
He added, “They are the ones who build this country, they feed it, they nurture and teach its children, they care for the elderly, they work in construction, hospitality, they run kitchens. They’re technicians, merchants, athletes, drivers, farmers. They pay a lot of taxes, a lot of them, with their jobs, papers or no papers. In 2022, undocumented immigrants contributed around $96.7 billion worth of taxes. But that is something that the Trump administration doesn’t want you to know. There are a lot of lies flying around about immigrants, but I’m sure you have more than one story that can attest to the contrary. Talk about it, share it. That helps. Today, they need to know that they’re not alone. These have been a dark few weeks. It is not acceptable nor is it normal to separate families. Violence and terror are not OK. Immigrants need to know that their struggle is yours as well. Politicians have been dozing on this problem because it’s easier than acknowledging it. Because this country benefits from the work of immigrants but refuses to recognize their importance. That is what needs to change. It’s about acknowledging the works of millions and how unfair it is that they have to live in hiding. The only solution is clear now, and it’s been clear for decades, give them a path to legal certainty.”
Luna ended his monologue by encouraging viewers to donate to organizations like Public Counsel and Kids in Need of Defense.
“This is what your neighbors really deserve, to be fully welcome in this country where they already belong,” he said. “To every citizen watching this, I encourage you to call your representatives, tell them what you think. It only takes a minute. And if you want to support those affected or who may need assistance, there are some great organizations that are doing exactly that, like Public Counsel and Kids in Need of Defense. I urge you to learn more about these organizations. Thank you for listening.”