ICE activity creates violence
By Abigail Jackson
ICE activity creates violence. Manuel Vega Lopez, a 51-year-old landscaper in the East Valley, was doing his job when the property’s renter shot and killed him, his hands up and his landscaping equipment nearby. This tragic event is not a new occurrence – there is a historical pattern of violent, racist rhetoric leading to attacks on innocent members of our communities, such as the post-9/11 rhetoric that incited violence and murder in Arizona and nationally. Currently, ICE’s increased activity in our communities – as well as their threats equating “resistance” to assaulting an officer – is having a similar effect and we are seeing it play out in real-time. In these moments, it is more important than ever to show up & protect our neighbors as we’ve seen in the last few weeks as Arizonans gather to protest these targeted attacks and accompany those attending scheduled hearings at the Phoenix immigration courthouse – and it’s working. In the words of Beth Strano, executive director of the Borderlands Resource Initiative, ICE agents are “starting to get the message that the optics [are] bad.” To learn more about how to report ICE activity, accompany people to hearings, and respond to threats in-the-moment, make sure to keep up with Borderlands Resource Initiative and Puente Human Rights Movement to be notified of training opportunities and rapid-response actions.
HB2867 threatens free speech. The Arizona House of Representatives will return from break this week, and they are expected to pass HB2867, which is a direct attack on freedom of speech in our schools. HB 2867 threatens students’ and educators’ First Amendment rights by creating content-based restrictions on speech—something courts have consistently ruled unconstitutional. The bill would punish those who express views critical of Israel, effectively silencing dissent against an ongoing genocide. This kind of censorship has no place in our public schools. HB 2867 would only chill open discussion, put people at risk for sharing their views, and undermine academic freedom – but we still have an opportunity to stop it from going into effect. Scroll down to the DO IT section to learn how you can take action.
A little good news, as a treat. Pima County is standing up against the Trump administration and has launched a lawsuit for withholding $10 million in funding owed for operating shelters for migrants who were released by federal authorities. The Shelter and Services Program is a congressionally approved effort that sent more than $117 million in federal funds to help the county shelter around 518,00 asylum seekers over the last several years, including families with children. Pima County, along with officials in Denver and Chicago, filed their lawsuit in the Northern District of Illinois, arguing the decision violates the Constitution by excluding Congress, and called out the absurdity of blatantly attempting to use bureaucratic processes to disguise the Trump administration’s anti-immigrant agenda.
Nothing Left Unsaid. Have you listened to the newest episode of our podcast, Nothing Left Unsaid, yet?! This episode’s guest is Trinity Miracle – an Arizona poet, artist, organizer and activist who recently debuted her short film “A black bicentennial.” in collaboration with Black River Life Media. We discuss all things pop culture and politics, and connecting national news to what’s happening in Arizona. Nothing Left Unsaid airs on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
We keep us safe. Join Borderlands Resource Initiative and Puente Human Rights Movement for a “Solidarity Accompaniment” Rapid Response Volunteer Training — a community-powered effort to resist ICE violence and protect our neighbors. This collaborative training combines key trainings for community defense—Migra Watch, Solidarity Accompaniment, and Rapid Response—to prepare volunteers to monitor ICE activity, support individuals at risk of detention, and help keep families together. RSVP for the next training on Wednesday, June 11th from 6–7:30 PM and learn to observe, verify, accompany, and report—safely and effectively.
Protect free speech in schools. HB2867 is moving quickly through the Arizona Legislature, where it will likely pass; but we still have an opportunity to stop it from going into effect. HB 2867 threatens students’ and educators’ First Amendment rights by creating content-based restrictions on speech—something courts have consistently ruled unconstitutional. The bill would punish those who express views critical of Israel, effectively silencing dissent and favoring one political perspective over others. This kind of censorship has no place in our public schools. HB 2867 would only chill open discussion, put people at risk for sharing their views, and undermine academic freedom. Use this link to call Governor Hobbs and ask her to veto HB 2867. Make sure to share with friends and loved ones to help mobilize our communities to take action.
Holding legislators accountable. Did you catch Progress Arizona’s scorecard in the CD7 debate? During the Congressional District 7 debate, candidate Adelita Grijalva brought up Progress Arizona’s legislative scorecard to hold an elected official to his voting record. Our legislative scorecard helps voters better understand what their representatives are up to at our state capitol. Donate $15 to support our work and help us continue to shine a light on legislators’ values and records, and hold them accountable.