From LA wildfires to hurricanes, immigrants help rebuild after disasters. Some may face deportation

LOS ANGELES (AP) — While firefighters battled blazes in the Los Angeles area this week, Alejandro, a 55-year-old from Mexico, was one of several day laborers leading cleanups near scorched neighborhoods in Pasadena and Altadena.

Donning a yellow safety vest, a mask and glasses, he helped pick up branches and fallen trees and direct traffic while others worked.

“The country would fall into crisis” without workers like him, said Alejandro, who spoke in Spanish and requested his last name not be used because he is in the country illegally.

“It wasn’t just one (home),” added Alejandro. “There were thousands.”