Immigrant Justice Summer: How to get involved
A recent Mother Jones investigation found that Indiana has emerged as one of the Trump administration’s most faithful and obliging accomplices in the assault, detention and deportation of immigrants in the country.
Last week, ICE conducted raids here in Evansville. At least 28 of our neighbors were stopped in their vehicles and taken who-knows-where. Their families were not informed and are living with fear, uncertainty, and devastating loss.
Meanwhile, a 26-year-old Colombian man was killed during an ICE operation in Maine. Reports indicate he was legally authorized to work in the United States and was not even the target of the original warrant. His death came just days after another fatal ICE shooting in Texas and amid a growing list of people who have died as a result of ICE enforcement and detention this year. More than ten people have already lost their lives in connection with ICE actions in recent weeks alone.
These are not isolated incidents. They are the predictable result of policies that dehumanize immigrants, separate families, and rely on intimidation and fear.
Our response cannot be despair. It must be solidarity.
That is why Indivisible is hosting Immigrant Justice Summer, a national training series designed to help communities respond safely, effectively, and in partnership with immigrant-led organizations. The first training is already available to watch online if you missed it, and the second live training is coming up soon.
Learn more, watch the first session, and register for the next training.
Other ways to help local immigrant families
1: Contribute to the emergency relief fund
Contribute financially to the Immigrant Welcome and Resource Center’s Basic Emergency Relief Support fund so we can continue helping families. You can contribute through a secure online payment portal here(write basic emergency relief on the note box) or mail a check made out to IWRC to 500 S. Green River Road, Evansville, IN 47715.
2: Share intel about immigration enforcement activity
Join the SWINK RRN to help verify claims of immigration enforcement activity, translate messages posted in the chat, communicate information posted in the chat with others in the larger community, and help follow up with affected families. Spanish and Haitian Creole interpreters are needed, as are scouts available to drive around to verify claims at various times of the day. If you are interested, contact the network at SWINK.RRN@proton.me.
3: Help families prepare for possible detention
Sign up to serve as a Power of Attorney designee for families who may be at risk of detention. Sometimes immigrant families do not have green card holders/permanent residents or US citizens in their network who can serve as designees. To learn more about this, and to participate in future trainings, email the IWRC.
4: Know your rights and make sure others do too
Share and disseminate Know Your Rights and other guidance materials.We want to ensure everyone in our community who could be racially profiled at a traffic stop or encounters immigration enforcement agents knows what to do and how to stay safe. You can share digital information in various languages on the SWINK Rapid Response Network resource page. If you work with immigrant families and you want packets with flyers, email the IWRC. If you are interested in canvassing Know Your Rights info, sign up here.
5: Participate in Signs of Solidarity
If you would like to show immigrants that they are safe and welcome at your home or business, come to our next meeting to get a “We Stand With Immigrant Families” sign. Proceeds benefit the Immigrant Welcome and Resource Center in Evansville. We’ve raised $1,000 so far!
