Taking a Stand for Justice for Immigrants

Hundreds protested the Trump administration’s atrocious treatment of legal asylum seekers and other immigrants, especially children, at the “Lights for Liberty: A Vigil to End Human Concentration Camps” at Plaza Fiesta in Chamblee July 12, despite the heat and a rain shower. The New Sanctuary Movement of Alanta and about two dozen social justice and immigrant rights organizations sponsored the event, joined by other progressive organizations and many MADSA members. Ga. Representative (District 99) and candidate for Congress Brenda Lopez Romero was keynote speaker. Other speakers included several faith leaders; Roxana Chicas of New Sanctuary; Carlos Medina of the Georgia Latino Alliance for Human Rights (GLAHR); two candidates for the U.S. Senate: former Columbus Mayor Teresa Tomlinson and Clarkston Mayor Ted Terry; and Amilcar Valencia, Executive Director of El Refugio, among others. See Lopez Romero’s speech here.

The Lights for Liberty event took place as Atlanta braced for a weekend of raids on immigrant families announced by President Trump. GLAHR is organizing “ICEwatch” patrols to follow (not confront) ICE and document its activities. Some MADSA members participated Saturday morning. “Ice patrol with GLAHR was great,” says Jeff R. “They’re going all this week in the morning and they think immigration raids will start [Sunday].”

ICEwatch patrols meet 6am at the GLAHR office. To volunteer, contact Kevin Joachin (229-646-0045). Members please say you’re with DSA. Do not volunteer if you are undocumented.

Another protest against the immigrant concentration camps: “Never Again,” will take place at noon on Monday July 15 in front of the ICE office in downtown Atlanta, in coordination with actions nationwide led by Jewish groups, including some against banks that finance the private detention centers.