Press release
from No Papers, No Fear
Over the last six years, immigrants and advocates in Western North Carolina have been organizing against racial profiling, deportations, and the use of police check points targeting Latinos and undocumented immigrants. These practices have eroded the trust between local police and Latino communities. Additionally, in November 2011, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) conducted a work place raid at the Shogun restaurant, that has led to 12 workers being placed in deportation proceedings. “We welcome the riders and hope that their visit will let other people know about the injustices that happen here in Asheville,” said Osvaldo Solis, one of the Shogun workers.
The No Papers No Fear Ride for Justice is a national delegation of undocumented people and allies that left Phoenix, Arizona on the anniversary of the state’s implementation of SB1070, July 29th, and is traveling across the country to rally the migrant community to overcome fear and organize to challenge anti-immigrant policies. The No Papers No Fear ride was inspired by actions of undocumented students, such as coming out of the shadows events and civil disobedience actions, that have demonstrated the power and results of communities acting and speaking for themselves. The riders are undocumented people from all over the country and their allies, including mothers, fathers, day laborers, people in deportation proceedings, students, and many others who continue to face threats of deportation, harassment, and death while simply looking for a better life in the only nation many of them know and call home.
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