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San Francisco's
immigrant communities continue to feel the pressure of the ICE raids that have
ripped through the bay area, leaving numerous families in disarray.
Recently, neighbors had reported that ICE agents had been spotted
along 24th street.
As word spread, the 24th street
corridor became a ghost town. Although I have not confirmed that ICE agents
were actually present, this example is important because 1) it demonstrates
that our community is concerned about possible
raids in our city, and specifically, in the Mission
area 2) it demonstrates that even as a Sanctuary
City, community response is
critical.
Dolores Street Community services honors the "Sanctuary
City" status of San
Francisco. To learn more about our stance, please read
our Board approved
resolution. Our staff has also been instructed to treat ICE agents like other
law enforcement: require a subpoena or warrant unless they are in hot pursuit.
Dolores Street Community Services has taken a lead in the
San Francisco Immigrant Legal Education Network which provides legal and
educational information for the immigrant community. It is important to take a
stand against these unjust raids that are primarily targeted against working
people, many who have been forced to leave their homelands in search of
opportunity and escape extreme poverty. We believe that just immigration reform
and fair economic relations (Fair Trade versus Free Trade) are the steps that
should be taken to address the issue of immigration. As with issues like war
and same sex unions, San Francisco must
take a strong stance against the xenophobia threatening our country. We call on
our elected leaders, community leaders, and our community to lead a movement to
transform the political climate in the country.
Resources (more coming soon):
http://www.carecensf.org/
http://www.immigrantrights.org/
http://canalalliance.org/index.shtml
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