Chop Wood, Carry CA 6/7

Hi Team California,

I wish I had sunnier news but this one is definitely not that. California is supposed to be a sanctuary state when it comes to immigration and deportation. Yet we’ve been seeing the ICE raids up and down our state. Yesterday, word got out about a raid in downtown L.A. where dozens were detained. Angelenos quickly mounted a same-day rapid response and showed up at City Hall to protest, alerted by Los Angeles City Council Member Hugo Soto-Martinez.

It’s so inspiring to see our own citizens springing into action to help others. And that’s what we need to do now because also this week, news broke that the city of Glendale is violating SB54— the state law aimed to restrict cities from providing material support to ICE— by allowing the agency to use local jail cells to house detainees. California cannot claim to be a sanctuary state if one of our cities is facilitating the increasingly aggressive and unconstitutional tactics of ICE. We need to hold our government accountable.

ACTION

Email immigration@doj.ca.gov and copy Glendale City Attorney Mike Garcia (mjgarcia@glendaleca.gov). For more info on state immigration laws and protections click here.

SCRIPT

I'm writing to ask that the AG investigate the contract between the city of Glendale and ICE for the temporary housing of detained immigrants in Glendale's jail.  I believe this contract predates the passage of SB 54, and the city claims that there is a loophole that allows the contract to continue.  I am not an expert on SB 54, but I don't believe that is accurate.  However, even if it is true that there is some sort of technical loophole that the city is exploiting to maintain its contract with ICE, their actions fly in the face of the purpose of the statute.  California cannot claim to be a sanctuary state if one of our cities is facilitating the increasingly aggressive and unconstitutional tactics of ICE.  

[Insert personal context, i.e. “I have lived in Glendale for over 10 years and am appalled that my city's resources are being used toward this end” or “As a proud Californian, I won’t stand by while localities disregard state law and use our resources in this way” ].  It is the Attorney General's obligation to audit and enforce compliance with SB 54.  Please investigate and intervene.

At the rapid response protest yesterday in L.A., union president of the SEICU was detained, injured and arrested just for participating in the protest and using his first amendment rights. We have to keep fighting back against these anti-democratic actions, especially in our own blue state. We need to be the good example for others.

If you see or hear of ICE raids, contact the Rapid Response hotline:

cd13losangeles

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And, if you want to be an active ally, you can join the No Hate No Fear Campaign to stand with our immigrant neighbors.

Stay strong and keep fighting back California,

Jess (and Andrea who helps with state newsletters)