Fuerza Regida’s Year of Giving Back: How the Mexican-American Band Proved ‘We Are Stronger in Numbers’

For Californians, 2024 has been a year defined by back-to-back emergencies. A severe outbreak of over 14 wildfires in the Los Angeles area early in the year displaced countless families and destroyed homes. This was followed months later by widespread Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations across Southern California and the Central Coast, resulting in hundreds of detentions within immigrant communities. In the face of this compounded crisis, the San Bernardino-based Mexican-American group Fuerza Regida mobilized, providing direct aid that has led Variety Hitmakers to name them its Humanitarians of the Year. Lead singer Jesús Ortiz Paz recounted the band's immediate response to the fires: "Seeing the situation unfold, our Street Mob Records team knew we had to step in directly for families with no options. We quickly decided to book hotel rooms to offer temporary housing—we were in a position to provide that immediate stability."

Even as their musical career soars—their ninth studio album, "111Xpantia," recently hit No. 2 on the U.S. charts, their highest debut yet—philanthropy remains central to the five-member band's mission. Following the January fires, they provided shelter for more than 50 displaced households. By spring, they had created four full-ride "111Xpantia Scholarships" at California State University, San Bernardino, which attracted a record 270 applicants for a single award at the university. "Our mindset is straightforward: when we are blessed, we share those blessings," Paz states, attributing this ethos to his and his bandmates' upbringing. "We were taught to give back to the community that raised you." This local focus is key; formed in 2017 and honing their craft at community events, Fuerza Regida now runs their independent label, Street Mob Records, from a San Bernardino base specifically to nurture local talent.

The band's humanitarian strategy emphasizes agile, collaborative efforts. In May, a limited merchandise collaboration with comedian Druski directed all proceeds to the Immigrant Defenders Law Center, offering critical legal aid during the immigration raids. That same month, they partnered with local artisan brands 31 Hats and Barbas Hats on a special collection, again channeling all profits to family legal support while promoting small businesses. Their rapid response capability was shown when Mary’s Mercy Center, a key homeless services provider in the Inland Empire, faced closure from federal funding cuts; the band immediately donated 14 carts of essential supplies. As Paz notes, "Bringing together our neighbors and local brands was vital. Real change happens through collective action."

Looking ahead, Fuerza Regida aims to expand their charitable footprint. An August partnership with Dos Equis beer, featuring a charity auction, raised funds for the Mexican American Opportunity Foundation, which supports childcare and job training. Experts in community development, like Dr. Anika Patel of the Urban Philanthropy Institute, note that sustained, culturally-informed aid from trusted local entities often builds more durable community resilience than impersonal, top-down programs. With this in mind, the band's ultimate goal is to adapt their model of support for every region where they have fans. "We are proud of the impact and plan to keep going," Paz says. "The award is an honor, but we're not driven by trophies. We want to show that the Inland Empire looks after its own and inspire others to do the same wherever they are."