Press release from the City of Asheville:
In light of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations in Western North Carolina this week, we understand many members of our community, especially our Latinx community, may be afraid. As your elected leaders, we want everyone to feel that Asheville is a welcoming community and we care about all of our residents.
City Council has long supported the civil liberties of Asheville residents. In 2003, Council passed Resolution 13-227 Endorsing the Protection of Civil Liberties of All Citizens and we stand by that resolution. As a City we don’t discriminate based on immigration or citizenship status.
The Asheville Police Department has not participated in these operations in any manner.
Where to go for information and assistance
For those affected by the ICE arrests, we’d like to make them aware of resources available.
- Asheville organization Compañeros Inmigrantes de las Montañas en Accion (CIMA) works to help families facing immigration issues. Visit Cimawnc.org or call 828-713-5124.
- Pisgah Legal Services can answer questions regarding immigrations status. Their number is 828-253-0406.
- Anyone looking for information about a person in ICE custody can contact the ICE Detention Reporting and Information Line by dialing -888-351-4024. The line is staffed by live operators from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday.
More information is available online: https://www.ice.gov/contact/detention-information-line.What we can do as a community
- Acknowledge that there are families being separated and traumatized. Children are afraid that when they return from school their parent(s) will not be home. How can you pay attention and perform well at school when also walking around with these fears?
- Show compassion to people affected by ICE operations.
- Value of inclusion, regardless of immigration or citizenship status.
- Share the message that we as a community stand up for the civil rights of all residents.
Understand that when one group or segment of our Asheville community is in crisis, we are all impacted.- Those who want to support families impacted in solidarity can call the CIMA hotline 888-839-2839 about volunteer opportunities.
A copy of this press release is available on Asheville City Source.
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