Press release from Compañeros Inmigrantes de las Montañas en Acción:
Join us to commemorate the Funeral that we want to give to Racism and the “SHOW ME YOUR PAPERS” Law, HB 370 from 5 to 6pm on Monday, April 15 at the Federal Building to let our governor and state officials know that North Carolina is better than that!
Last year on April 14th, 2018 Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) conducted a series of activities where in Western North Carolina 30 people were abducted from their communities. We are gathering a year after to continue denouncing these attacks, making a statement that our community is one of unity and resistance, and to show how much the community has done since those attacks.
But as our communities rise to make progress, we face retaliation. Communities and sheriffs across NC, including Buncombe County Sheriff Miller, have taken a stance to protect the human rights of immigrants. By announcing the termination of their participation in voluntary programs such as 287(g) and ICE Detainers (or Ice Holds), which placed community members in the hands of ICE without proper judicial warrants and due process.
Now ICE, continuing its culture of lack of transparency, racism and sneaky tactics has partnered with NC’s GOP for the creation and lobbying for the “SHOW ME YOUR PAPERS” bill, HB370, which would violate the elected authority of our sheriffs and the communities that voted for them. It is a direct attack to not only the autonomy of our elected officials, but also a direct punitive attack and power play to continuing the persecution of our immigrant communities.
This event coincides with statewide demonstrations against HB370 and recent immigration raids, and is part of the Caravan for Justice with Witness for Peace Southeast.
After the event, we will be heading to Firestorm for a Potluck dinner commemorating all the disappeared migrants.
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