The last couple of days have hit us hard with the horrific news of state violence against our communities. We are heartbroken about the shooting of two individuals by Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) agents in our city yesterday and the murder in Minneapolis on Wednesday by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). These events aren’t just news clips to pay attention to - they demand action and we are providing ways you can get involved.
The fight for a humane society continues. As individuals, we have to let the pain of this week be the fuel for our commitment to join in and help our collective liberation, in a host of different ways. As a community, we are standing in full solidarity with the victims, their families, our communities, and the tireless organizers who are leading this charge.
Call to Action: Follow and Join Those Doing the Work
In times of crisis, we must support the groups that have been fighting these systemic injustices before they made headlines. These are the local organizers, the grassroots advocates, and the community defenders who have the expertise, the relationships, and the immediate capacity to respond effectively to these issues.
We urge 107IST members and our broader community of supporters to look to and follow the leadership of local community organizing groups. Our goal here is to amplify the incredible work and resources that already exist so you can jump right in.
How you can help
If you can dedicate your time, money, or voice to this critical work, here are organizations and upcoming events where you can plug in:
Events to Attend & Amplify:
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Vigil: We Protect Us - For Victims and Survivors of ICE & Border Patrol Violence; Saturday, January 10 4-6pm at Terry Schrunk Plaza (SW 4th between Madison & Jefferson). English/Spanish/All Ages/Candles Provided
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Training: Non-cooperation 101 by Protect Oregon; In-person January 10 and January 13, register here.
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Training: Community: Migra Watch | Ice Watch by PIRC; Virtual on January 14, register here. They need help with Migra Watch in these communities: McMinnville, Woodburn, Forest Grove, Oregon City, Salem, Happy Valley, Lake Oswego, Eugene, Gresham, Beaverton, Tigard
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Town Hall: Federal Oversight & Accountability with Oregon AG Dan Rayfield; In-person January 21 from 6-8pm at Revolution Hall (1300 SE Stark Street), register here.
Volunteer Your Time:
Community Education (videos or downloads):
- Know Your Rights Recorded Training by Oregon Justice Resource Center (OJRC) available here. Note: The 107IST hosted an in-person version of this training at the Axe & Rose in November, planning to host more sessions in the future.
- Know Your Rights If Approached By ICE, printable flyers by OJRC. Flyers are available in both English and Spanish.
- Asylum Solidarity PDX, Links and Resources available here.
Financial Donations:
- Portland Immigrant Rights Coalition (PIRC) - donate here.
- Oregon Justice Resource Center (OJRC) - donate here.
Local Organizations to Follow
Oregon Justice Resource Center (OJRC) Legal representation for communities that have been underserved: people living in poverty and people of color - https://www.ojrc.info/
Protect Oregon A collective of organizations including ACLU of Oregon, Rural Organizing Project, Northwest Health Foundation, Western States Center, PCUN, Coalition of Communities of Color, and more - https://www.protect-oregon.com/
Portland Immigrant Rights Coalition (PIRC) Rapid response, legal support, and community organizing since 2005 Report ICE activity: 1-888-622-1510 pircoregon.org
Immigrant & Refugee Community Organization (IRCO) Wraparound services including legal help, housing assistance, and family support - irco.org
Innovation Law Lab Immigration legal services and advocacy behind Oregon's sanctuary - protectionsinnovationlawlab.org
IMIrJ (Immigrant and Refugee Justice) Volunteer to accompany community members to ICE check-ins and court hearings - https://www.imirj.org
Equity Corps of Oregon Free legal representation for immigration cases - oregonlawhelp.org
