Take Action
Here are some ways to advocate for and help immigrant members of our community who are at risk.
Contact your local and state representatives to demand legislative change:
The New York for All Act is the bill pending in the NYS legislature that is probably the top priority. This is the bill that would prohibit state and local agencies/employees (including in public schools and hospitals) from collaborating with ICE. This bill has a lot of co-sponsors, and what is most needed is calls to leadership (Stewart Cousins and Heastie) and the governor's office. We've also heard from leadership that they don't hear legislators calling for this bill, so people can also call their state senator and assembly member and urge them to uplift the need for this bill to pass quickly. There will also be trips to Albany over the next couple of months with a rally and meetings with elected officials. Bill explainer here.
The Dignity not Detention Act is the bill that ends ICE detention contracts with local jails across NYS. There are a couple friendly Brooklyn dems that are still not on the bill, so for folks that live in those districts, calls to those offices would be really helpful. Today (and every Tuesday from 1-2) there is also an opportunity to do phone zaps for the bill. No experience needed- it's well facilitated, over zoom, and two volunteers from the coalition will walk everyone through it. To join, here is a link to register for the zoom. Bill explainer here. There will be a lobby day in Albany (transportation and lunch provided) on March 4th, for anyone that might want to go up and talk in person to elected officials. This coalition also raises money for commissary for people in ICE detention and runs a letter writing series for people in detention to be connected with folks on the outside. For more information visit https://nydignitynotdetention.org/.
Intro 214 is the City Council bill sponsored by CM Hanif that gives people the right to sue when the existing sanctuary laws are violated. It's true that this bill is an uphill battle. Phone calls to targets and the speaker's office could help move the needle. Bill explainer here.
City Councilmember Shahana Hanif also has a list of immigration resources and volunteer opportunities available here: https://council.nyc.gov/shahana-hanif/resources/.
Lastly, the program that provides free legal defense to NYC residents in ICE detention is The New York Immigrant Family Unity Project. If someone you know is detained by ICE, please email nyifupintake@bronxdefenders.org.