Update: Annapolis Painting Services Raids - How to Help!

From CASA de Maryland -

Annapolis Painting Service Immigration Raid: Families Separated; A Community in Crisis

Between 5 a.m. and 10 a.m. on Monday, June 30th, 75 federal immigration officials and 50 Anne Arundel County police conducted raids at the offices of Annapolis Painting Service and private homes. 

Forty-five people were aroused from sleep, seized on the way to work, forced to the ground at gun-point, hand-cuffed in their living rooms, pulled half-clothed from the shower, prohibited from using the bathroom, arrested in front of young children, or otherwise dragged from livelihoods, communities and families. 

While officials have repeatedly stated that purpose of the raid was to investigate the business practices of Annapolis Painting Services(APS), many of the people arrested had either never worked at APS or had resigned.  Those who worked for APS painted homes, others were bakers, all were hard workers contributing to the Annapolis economy.

In the aftermath of this raid, hundreds of people, including small U.S. citizen children, have been thrown into crisis in a county whose executive is clearly unsympathetic to their needs.  Of the 45 people taken into custody, more than half were moved out of Maryland within days and are already as far away as Texas and New Mexico. 

Another 20 people are still in Maryland, but in detention centers far-flung from their families.  In the aftermath in Annapolis, families are now homeless and many have lost their primary breadwinners.  Families are terrified of interacting with governmental systems like schools and clinics, and certainly the police. 

We are in the midst of a humanitarian crisis.

For that reason, we are reaching out to you.  Families affected by the raid have multiple needs that only people of faith and empathy can fulfill.  Washington has failed to pass immigration reform and it is our communities that are left suffering the consequences.  Below are some critical areas that we need your help with. 

 

*        Volunteering free housing

*      “Sponsoring” a family by raising funds to assist with emergency financial needs

*      Donating money to a bond fund so those arrested who pose no risk to our communities can be reunited with their families as quickly as possible

*      Volunteering free or reduced cost child care for families affected by the raid

*      Organizing  a collection of in-kind donations (food, toys, clothing)? to respond to the basic food and service needs of families

*      Providing rides to family members so they can visit their loved ones in detention

*      Visiting people in detention to keep their spirits up

 

There are creative ways in which this can be done.  You or your congregation can adopt a family, you can host a fundraiser in your home, you can take up a special collection.  We can assist you with any of these activities.  If you or your congregation could help with these needs, please call CASA de Maryland at 410-732-7777 or e-mail Elizabeth Ortiz and eortiz@casamd.org .

Reform, not Roundups

Yesterday, advocates from the National Capital Immigrant Coalition, CASA de Maryland and area churches rallied to protest the recent ICE raid on an Annapolis, MD paiting company.

On Monday, raids were conducted at both the office of the Annapolis Painting Services and at private homes of Annapolis residentes. Over 45 people were arrested.

Yesterday’s protestors denounced the raids as inhumane and highlighted that those arrested are victims of a broken immigration system. The protest also brought attention to the families who are suffering as a result of ICE’s actions.

“Every person affected yesterday has a family,” said Jessica Alvarez, vice president of the National Capital Immigrant Coalition. “Today we are here to show that every person has a voice and has a community behind them. This is unjust, and our voices need to be heard.”

Click here and here for articles concerning both the raid and the protest.

 

VIDEO: Protestors Denounce Houston ICE Raid

UPDATE: More than 100 Protest the Houston Raid

There is a great report from Para Justicia y Libertad about community members protesting last Wednesday’s ICE raid at Action Rags USA in Houston, TX. Below is a little bit of detailed information on the raid and the protest:

More than 100 community members and organizations met in front of the George Thomas “Mickey” Leland Federal Building yesterday to denounce the raid that took place Wednesday at Action Rags U.S.A. in the heart of Houston’s East End. According to local CBS affiliate, KHOU, agents arrested 166 of the 186 employees. ICE released 73 people who had medical problems or were sole care providers. Another 20 were released by cause they either were here legally or were born here. So here is the break down:

166 - arrested
-20 - released, here legally
———
146 - remaining
-73 - released for medical problems
———
73 - detained

The remain 73 who are detained, 70 of them are women, so only 3 of them are men.

Click here to view the original post.

ACTION: Protest the ICE Raid in Houston, TX

To support immigrants detained by ICE, there will be a protest at the Detention Center:
 
Date:    Saturday, June 28
 
Time:    10 AM-11 Am.  
 
The theme is:   “YOU ARE NOT ALONE”
                        No Round-ups Anywhere !!
 
Address is:    Houston Processing Center 
                        CCA
                       15850 Export Plaza Dr.
                       Houston, TX 77032  
                  
Join us in the fight for justice!!  Bring your messages!! Raise Your Voice!!  Stand-up for dignity and justice. 
 
Make sure our message of solidarity is heard by those inside the Center. 
 
See you there.

ACTION: Night of 1,000 Conversations - this Thursday!

Remember that this week is the Night of 1,000 Conversations!

On June 19, thousands of people from across the country will gather in homes, offices, coffee shops, and places of worship to discuss how the overreach of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is undermining the civil liberties and human rights of people living in America.

Why do it?

In the name of national security, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) DHS has adopted practices that routinely violate basic rights of people in this country, including immigrants.  Most people do not realize these violations of human rights and civil liberties are taking place.  If we let the government continue to violate the rights of some, it puts all of our freedoms at risk.

Violations include:

• Warrantless and aggressive raids on homes and workplaces
• Inhumane detention conditions
• A huge backlog in citizenship applications caused partly by DHS’ practice of targeting people of certain nationalities for extra security checks

Goals

• Raise awareness and educate people about what’s going on in our own backyard
• Engage people to reassert this country’s democratic principles
• Build power at the grassroots level to effect changes in DHS policies

For more information and resources click here.

ACTION: Overground Railroad in Syracuse

OVERGROUND RAILROAD

Immigrants’ Rights Action

Saturday, June 14 (Flag Day)

11:00 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.

at the Regional Transportation Center (Greyhound Bus and Amtrak Train Stations) in Syracuse, NY

Bring a flag, help distribute “Know Your Rights” literature

Join this lively, yet peaceful solidarity action

Distribute flyers       *      Inform travelers of their rights    *     Show solidarity with those at risk of deportation     *   Hold Banners & Signs

Crossing A Border is NOT a Crime, but a Civil Offense
Yet Families are being Torn Apart because of Border Patrol’s activities at the Regional Transportation Center

All Those Who Show Up will Get an Attractive “United Nation’s Blue” Wrist Band that says “Justice for Immigrants“

We will supply you with a sign.    Children are welcome but must stay on sidewalks (not in street).

Might be wise to bring sunscreen and bottled water, or rain gear if the weather is crummy.

SPONSORED BY THE CENTRAL NEW YORK DETAINMENT TASK FORCE

If you can’t attend this one, mark your calendar for our July 5 (Independence Day Weekend) rally!

Forward to all your friends - after the rally, go the Regional Market and buy your veggies, remember that in many cases, immigrant workers picked those onions, tomatoes, grapes, broccoli stalks, etc.

Action: Sign the Petition Demanding Justice for Indian Guest Workers

Click here to read the petition

 

Click here to sign it

 

The Hispanic Institute Calls for CNN Boycott

The Hispanic Institute has called for a boycott of CNN, citing the cable news channel’s misrepresentation of immigration issues - specifically in program’s such as “Lou Dobbs Tonight”.

This comes on the heels of the Media Matters report citing Dobbs as part of a trend of cable news personalities that propagate “a series of myths that feed viewers’ resentment and fears, fostering hostility toward immigrants.”

WASHINGTON (June 3) — The Hispanic Institute today announced that it will mount a Latino boycott of CNN to protest the cable news network’s ongoing distortion of facts surrounding U.S. immigration issues, especially in commentaries and reports on “Lou Dobbs Tonight.”

The non-profit organization said the proposed boycott will begin June 3, 2008 and will seek to stop Hispanic viewership of all CNN outlets, including the Spanish-language service. There are now 12.14 million Hispanic television households in the U.S., according to Doug Darfield Sr. Vice President of multicultural measurement for the Nielsen Company.

“We’re taking this step after years of CNN management’s failure to rein in Mr. Dobbs’ irresponsible assertions about immigrants and their impact on our country and its institutions,” Gus West, THI board chair, said in making the announcement. He added that THI will work with other national Hispanic organizations to broaden support for the proposed boycott.

To read the full press release, click here.

Action Alert: Oregonians hold a Week of Action and Prayer

Oregonians Remember Families Torn Apart By Immigration Raids

Oregon New Sanctuary Movement to hold a week of action and prayer for the families torn apart by Fresh Del Monte ICE Raids

Portland, Ore.–One year ago, the Fresh Del Monte Produce fruit and vegetable processing plant in North Portland was raided by agents from the when the Department of Homeland Security Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). 167 immigrant workers were torn from their livelihood and their families.  Many were taken to a private prison near Tacoma and deported. A small number of women who were pregnant or had very young children were put under house arrest. One year later the families are still struggling to rebuild their lives. 

From June 6^th to 14^th, the Oregon New Sanctuary Movement, Oregon immigration rights and labor groups, and immigrant families will take time to decry the injustices at Del Monte as well the ongoing assault against immigrant workers and their families through detentions, raids, and deportations.  We stand in solidarity with all immigrants as they fight for their human rights.

Last year, community leaders, elected officials, faith communities and community organizations came together to denounce the raids in a press conference at Fresh Del Monte in North Portland.  Portland Mayor Tom Potter at the time denounced such actions by The Department of Homeland Security saying that “Our nation would be better served if this kind of energy was focused on creating a comprehensive approach to immigration reform that provides a path to citizenship; addresses the immigration backlog that keeps families apart.”

“Today, raids on immigrants continue across the country, separating little children from their parents and tearing apart families and communities“, said Marco Mejia from the Oregon New Sanctuary Movement.  “As a nation, we need to decide if we truly value workers’ rights, family unity, and the wellbeing of children.“

Organizations co-sponsoring the week of events between June 6th and June 12th  include: Oregon New Sanctuary Movement, Augustana Lutheran Church, Portland Immigrant Rights Coalition, Comite de Solidaridad y Apoyo Mutuo, Jobs with Justice, American Friends Service Committee, Portland Central America Solidarity Committee, Witness for Peace NW, Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon, Bridgeport UCC, Zion UCC, the Jobs with Justice Faith-Labor Committee, CAUSA, Ascension Catholic Church, Peace and Social Concerns Committee of the Multnomah Friends Meeting, the Social Justice Council of the First Unitarian Church, Justice Commission of Ainsworth UCC, and the Justice Witness Ministry Team of the Central Pacific Conference of the UCC.

For more information on the Oregon New Sanctuary Movement, visit www.oregonsanctuary.org or call (503) 550-3510 or email portlandsanctuary.@gmail.com. For press inquiries, please contact Beth Poteet at (503) 287-7847 or Robert Brown at (503) 267-9346

# # #

Let My People Stay: Week of Action & Prayer

 

Calendar of Events

June 6th - 14th, 2008

June 6th - 8th: Special Prayers for Immigrants in Faith Communities

June 10th: 6 pm - One Year After Del Monte, Community Response to ICE Raids
Presented by Portland Central America Solidarity Committee (PCASC)
St. Andrew’s Catholic Church, NE 9th and Alberta, Portland OR

June 11th: 10:30 am - Vigil and Press Conference
Calling attention to unfair working conditions and our broken immigration system that terrorizes innocent people.
Del Monte plant, 9243 N Rivergate Blvd, Portland OR

June 12th: 6 pm - Interfaith Service and Dinner
Augustana Lutheran Church, 2710 NE 14th Ave. Portland OR
Bus line #8, childcare provided
Interfaith Service:
Religious leaders reflect on faith responses to ICE raids
A woman detained at the ICE raid at Del Monte tells her story
Children of immigrants read their poetry; Music
Mexican Dinner:
Prepared by immigrants. Donations gratefully accepted to support immigrants in their struggle.

June 14th: 4pm and 5:30pm - Screening of “Frozen Dreams”
A testimonial of the people detained at the ICE raid at Del Monte and how their lives have been affected. Produced by Emiliana Aguilar and the Committee of Solidarity and Mutual Support (CSAM).

James John Elementary School, 7439 N Charleston Ave, Portland OR