2203 - Fighting Trump's Deportation Machine in New York City and Connecticut

Session Submission Type: Regional Spotlight Sessions

Description

Under the Trump administration, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has become a deportation machine. They are trying to deport as many people as they can, as quickly as they can, to fulfill the Republicans’ campaign promises. Many of the undocumented people threatened with deportation are long-term US residents living in mixed-status families. They often came to the US fleeing violence and death threats in their home countries. Many were targeted by unscrupulous or incompetent immigration lawyers when they entered the country. In this country, they have raised families, found jobs, bought houses, started businesses and become valued members of their communities. They have followed the rules and reported to ICE at regular intervals. ICE knows where to find them. They were not considered a priority by ICE under previous administrations, but in the sudden drive to maximize deportations, they have become targets. ICE has torn families apart and sown terror in immigrant communities.

Many grassroots groups around the country have taken up the fight against this deportation machine. This session will provide an overview of the situation nationally and highlight the work of two such groups in the greater NYC area, Make the Road New York and Connecticut Shoreline Indivisible. Make the Road New York created a rapid response network throughout NYC and Long Island to respond to rumors of ICE raids around the clock and immediately deploy support teams to impacted families. They provided Know Your Rights training to thousands of people with a new Deportation Defense Manual, and helped parents create child custody plans in case they are deported. Connecticut Shoreline Indivisible members work with pro bono lawyers to form support teams for immigrants targeted for deportation. They accompany immigrants to check-ins, provide emotional support, help lawyers with research, and lead public campaigns against deportation. As Trump’s deportation machine revs up, these organizations demonstrate how ordinary citizens can fight for social justice and keep the machine in check.

Sub Unit

• Regional Spotlight Session

Session Organizers

• John M. Talbot, Western Connecticut State University

• Luba Cortes, Make the Road New York

Presider

• John M. Talbot, Western Connecticut State University

Panelists

• Shirley Leyro, Borough of Manhattan Community College

• Kica Matos, Vera Institute of Justice

• Glenn Formica, Formica Doyle P. C.