Let’s talk about something serious that just happened at a Walmart in Albuquerque—and why people are so upset.
On Sunday, more than 100 protesters showed up outside the Walmart on Coors Boulevard near Interstate 40. Their message was loud and clear: “Burque over billionaires.” What triggered it? A viral video of a Spark Driver, allegedly working for Walmart deliveries, being detained by immigration officers.
If you’re wondering what this means for Walmart, the community, and possibly even the way companies handle gig workers, let’s break it down together.
📹 Viral video sparks outrage
It all started earlier this month when a video of a man being detained by federal immigration officers at that Walmart went viral. The footage was hard to watch—he screams for help and falls, hitting his head. It’s been shared more than 10,000 times on Facebook.
- The man was later identified as Deivi Jose Molina-Pena.
- His family says he was in the country legally.
- He was working for Spark Driver, a Walmart-owned delivery service, though Walmart doesn’t consider drivers actual employees.
This blurred line between being “connected to” Walmart but not actually being an employee is what has people asking: Who’s responsible for protecting workers like Deivi?
🔥 Protesters demand accountability
Sunday’s protest was organized by Organized Power in Numbers, and their message was simple: Walmart needs to do better.
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Here’s what they’re asking for:
- Private space designation inside stores where workers are protected from warrantless immigration enforcement.
- Clear signage marking private areas to enforce Fourth Amendment rights.
- Law enforcement training for managers to handle these situations better.
- Accountability from Walmart for all workers, regardless of technical employment status.
One protester, Jayce Cardenas, put it best:
“All business owners should be protecting their workers.”
🧾 Spark driver loophole
Let’s be real—Spark Drivers aren’t just random delivery folks. They make Walmart’s delivery system possible.
But here’s the catch:
- Walmart owns the Spark Driver platform.
- Spark Drivers get 1099-NEC tax forms, meaning they’re considered independent contractors, not employees.
- That limits Walmart’s legal responsibility—but not in the eyes of the community.
And now, after this viral incident, that gray area is being put under a microscope.
🕊️ Protest stayed peaceful but powerful
From 10 a.m. to noon, protesters lined both entrances of the Walmart store. They let customers come and go but kept chanting messages like:
- “Boycott Walmart”
- “Burque over billionaires”
- “El pueblo unido jamás será vencido” — “The people, united, will never be defeated”
There were no arrests, but Walmart security and Albuquerque police tried to push the protest back. Still, protesters stayed calm, organized, and clear on their goal.
🤐 Walmart stays silent
Local store managers refused to comment and directed all questions to Walmart’s corporate office. So far, there’s been no public response from Walmart HQ.
But the pressure is building. Protesters say up to 20 workers—possibly including Spark Drivers—have already been detained by ICE at Walmart locations in Albuquerque.
🧭 What happens next?
This incident has put a spotlight on how big companies treat gig workers and immigrant laborers. For now, protesters are demanding changes, and they say they’re not backing down until workers like Deivi are protected.
And if you’re in Albuquerque, don’t be surprised if you hear “Boycott Walmart” echoing down Coors Boulevard again soon.
