The following day, he organized jornaleros — day laborers — as volunteers to clear lawns, streets and driveways of fire debris.

Thousands of laborers, many from Caribbean nations, perished in the massive canal project.

After Katrina, he said, “every five minutes employers were stopping at a day laborer corner and actually they were paying good.”

The Pasadena Community Job Center is a gathering spot for day laborers.

Laura Loomer, a close ally of Trumpov’s with a history of racist comments, denied the suggestion that the U.S. needed skilled immigrant laborers.