We thank our partners at Plymouth Congregational Church for hosting an important vigil last Tuesday that reminded us of the importance of our work especially in difficult times and to our speaker from Center for Victims of Torture for reminding us that we have an amazing network of partners. You can watch the video of the vigil, themed “Do Not Be Daunted,” here.
This is such a crucial time for our immigrant neighbors, who can expect to be targeted by the incoming presidential administration, that we hope you will hear the urgency in our November call to action!
1. Support ICOM AID on Give to the Max Day! Our AID program is in dire need of your help to support asylees, detainees, and our immigrant neighbors build a pathway to self sufficiency. Visit www.givemn.org and search for “Minnesota Interfaith Coalition on Immigration” to make a donation.
2. Ask Gov Walz to take swift action to protect our immigrant neighbors. The ACLU has outlined Firewall for Freedom actions that our state government can take today that will ensure that state resources are not weaponized against Minnesotans by the Trump Administration in 2025. Call the Governor at 651-201-3400 and thank him for his all the ways he has made Minnesota a welcoming place for immigrants and urge him to act on the ACLU Firewall for Freedom protections for our immigrant neighbors before the Trump Administration’s anti-immigrant campaign begins. If you have a personal connection to the issue, take a few seconds to share that as well. Don’t forget to leave your name and number!
3. Help ICOM with our spring fundraiser! Currently planned for late April or early May 2025, we need help with making videos for the event, doing promotions, and volunteers for setup and cleanup. Contact John Benda to volunteer for any role, johnbenda@comcast.net
4. Celebrate with the community of St Paul’s – San Pablo Lutheran Church on Friday, November 22. This congregation that supports many of our newly arrived immigrants invites you to join them for good food, live music, and dancing (plus much more) in celebration of the 40th birthday of Pastor Hierald Osorto. Doors open at 6:30 pm. Latin fusion band Alma Andina goes on stage at 8 pm!www.sanpablostpaul.org
5. Join a webinar hosted by Global Refuge “Election 2024: What the Results Mean for Immigrants and Refugees” on November 22 at 11 am CST. Global Refuge President & CEO Krish O’Mara Vignarajah and other leaders will discuss where the work of welcome stands after the election and share their next steps they are taking in response. Register here.
6. Contact Dianne Zepeda (zdianne@msn.com) to schedule a visit to observe immigration court at the Whipple Federal Building.