California Immigrant Community Send a Strong Message to Governor Brown Eight days ago immigrant community across the state began a journey which culminated today in the State’s Capitol demanding for Governor Brown to sign the TRUST Act. The UndocuCaravan began its journey in the city of Escondido, North County San Diego, where undocumented immigrants protested the police department’s collaboration with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Since then, the UndocuCaravan riders have been collecting stories from immigrants who have been terrorized by police and ICE collaboration through programs such as Secure Communities. For the past year, Governor Brown has continuously ignored the many requests from immigrant activists to meet with him regarding his stance on the TRUST Act. However, he has found time to meet with ICE officials and some Sheriffs regarding this issue. Therefore, the California immigrant community, decided to visit his office and share with him personally the many stories of immigrants who have been separated from their families due to collaborations between ICE and local law enforcement. Today, nine immigrant activists, members of the Immigrant Youth Coalition and the California Immigrant Youth Justice Alliance, conducted a sit-in inside Governor Brown’s office to request a meeting with him and to demand the passage of the TRUST Act. Immediately after the sit-in, the Sheriff department mobilized and did not allow for no one else to come in. As time went by, media began showing up and some of the participants decided to step out to update everyone on what was going inside. As they waited hours to hear back from the Governor’s office, some of the participants began experiencing physical pain, but their spirits were strong and were determined to continue until the Gov. Brown heard their voice. Governor Brown’s staff members explained to the participants the process to set up and appointment. The reality is that we have tried that process before to only be ignored; however, that same process has definitely worked for some Sheriffs who have met with him to share their stand against the TRUST Act. Before the office closed, a meeting with a senior staff was arranged for next week; still, our demands to meet with the Governor personally and for him to sign the TRUST Act remain. At the end of the day, three activists were arrested and released the same day. The UndocuCaravan is now on its way back home to Southern California. Most importantly, a strong message was delivered not only to Governor Brown, but to ALL elected officials… We are NOT political ponds, and we will continue fighting for the humyn right to live with our loved ones without fear.
Posted on: Wed, 03 Jul 2013 08:03:10 +0000
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