A Practical Guide to Beginning Activism: 7 Days of Actionable Ways // Day 1
Day 1: Immigration and ICE – Know Your Rights and Current Legislation
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Current Situation
Texas has passed several laws that directly impact immigrants, including Senate Bill 4, which prohibits local governments from limiting cooperation with federal immigration authorities. This means local law enforcement must assist ICE in detaining and deporting individuals. Texas has also implemented a “Sanctuary Cities Ban,” which forces local governments to comply with federal immigration policies. Additionally, Trump’s current proposals include expanding the construction of the border wall, implementing more stringent enforcement of immigration laws, and possibly revoking birthright citizenship. Some of these proposals (like border wall construction) are being enacted, while others (like revoking birthright citizenship) are being challenged in the courts.
Why Is This Important? Why Should You Care?
Understanding your constitutional rights as well as current state and federal immigration legislation is crucial to preventing unjust treatment and ensuring community safety. The fear of deportation and detention deeply affects immigrants, their families, and their communities, creating a tense and unsafe environment. As an ally, educating yourself about these laws enables you to advocate more effectively.
Steps You Can Take/Actionable Items
Know Your Rights: Share information on how to interact with ICE (identified as “la migra” in Spanish). For example, knowing how to say, “Oye, la migra aqui” (Hey! Immigration is here), “no digas nada” (don’t say anything) and “pida un abogado” (ask for a lawyer) in Spanish can help individuals assert their rights.
If you feel unsafe doing this in a public space whether that be you are a vulnerable population or any other reason, teaching others this phrase, being a witness and recording, and knowing your rights go a long way.
If you feel awkward, take a deep breath, and remember there is no bravery if there is not fear. You can pretend to be on the phone talking loudly, or face someone sympathetic nearby while making eye contact and talk to them.
Special extra: check the master google spreadsheet to see if you live near any vulnerable areas.
Support Local Immigrant Advocacy Groups: Volunteer or donate to organizations that provide resources and legal help for immigrants, such as the Texas Civil Rights Project.
Stay Informed: Follow immigration reform movements, attend local community meetings, and consider joining or supporting an activist group that’s active in this area.
Expected Outcome from the Action
By taking action, you will help create a safer and more informed community. You’ll also contribute to larger movements that aim to influence immigration policies and advocate for immigrant rights. By joining or supporting activist groups, you are actively building community, and finding out who's responsible for enacting these policies and who supports them. This can develop into further strategy.
How to Get Your Community Involved
Call up a friend after this and teach them the phrase and ask them to identify vulnerable locations near them!
Link to Further Reading
