We thank our vigil cohost, Temple Israel, for not only being steadfast in their commitment to welcoming refugees and asylees but in their commitment to coming to the Whipple Building on a subzero day! Here is the video of the event, cut very short by cold which knocked out first our loudspeaker and then eventually our phones.
On the verge of an incoming Presidential administration that promises to be the most virulently anti-immigrant in decades, we must be even more committed to raise our voices and act for justice. Here is the Call to Action for January!
1. Call on Governor Walz to take executive action to protect immigrant Minnesotans before the Trump administration can launch its deportation campaign. ACLU Minnesota has outlined steps he can take in its “Firewall for Freedom” document.
* Phone call: Office of Gov Tim Walz – 651-201-3400
* Email: bit.ly/nsa-email-action
* Petition: bit.ly/nsa-petition-action
2. Tell Senators Klobuchar and Smith to vote “no” on the Laken Riley Act. This bill would require mandatory detention of undocumented immigrants for mere suspicion of a crime and allow states to override federal immigration policy. More details can be found here, provided by the National Immigration Law Center. Make your calls to:
* Sen Amy Klobuchar – 612-727-5220
* Sen Tina Smith – 651-221-1016
3. Attend a screening of “The Long Walk of Carlos Guerrero” at 2 pm on Sunday, Jan. 19th at Plymouth Congregational Church. Cohosted by St. Joan of Arc, the Basilica of St. Mary’s, and the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet , event includes a discussion led by the Advocates for Human Rights. Bring a friend who is willing to learn about the reality of an immigrant’s journey.
4. March for immigrant (and other) rights on MLK Jr Day, January 20 with ICOM and MIRAC.
* 12 pm – Car Caravan starts at Western District Police Precinct
* 1:30 pm – Indoor rally at St Paul College
* 2:30 pm – March / caravan to the State Capitol
More details here: https://www.facebook.com/share/183K63wCFN/
5. Help plan ICOM’s next fundraiser. Contact John at johnbenda@comcast.net if you are willing to be help us hold a fun and inspiring event in the spring.
