As the President makes his state of the union address, the government remains in a shutdown over its immigration enforcement efforts–with Democrats wanting to see reforms. But ICE efforts are expected to continue to escalate with billions of dollars in funding already allocated toward this effort.
Now, one of the largest Latino organizations is distributing funding to “help local communities hold ICE accountable.”
The Latino Community Foundation is a non-profit aimed at supporting communities “in need.” Headed by former HUD Secretary Julian Castro, the organization is distributing half a million dollars to Minnesota, California and Nevada.
Castro said they’ve started the Community Protection Fund to ensure people’s rights are not violated during this administration’s enhanced enforcement efforts.
“And we want to do our part in partnership with local grassroots organizations to make sure that when they step over the line, that they're held accountable for that. And by doing that, hopefully we encourage DHS to stay within the law,” said Castro.
With billions of dollars in new funding for ICE and CBP, Castro expects the immigration enforcement efforts to continue and expand.
“Thankfully, this hasn't been as prominent in Nevada as it has been in a place like Minnesota,” said Castro. “But I think ultimately this ICE drag net is gonna reach a lot of places, perhaps including Nevada. And we hope to contribute to the state being prepared.”
“Make the Road Nevada” will train people to be legal observers and properly document any ICE enforcement issues. Funds will also be available to help families with short term financial needs as well as with mental health support.
Community Protection Fund description: We fund legal observers, rapid response networks, and advocacy organizations that expose unlawful enforcement. From training community monitors to challenging detention abuses in court, we support the work that safeguards our constitutional rights and keeps ICE and other federal immigration authorities in check.
The first round of Community Protection Fund grantees are:
- Comunidades Organizando el Poder y la Acción Latina (COPAL), Minneapolis, MN
- Latino Economic Development Center, Saint Paul, MN
- Latino Communities United in Service (CLUES), Saint Paul, MN
- Immigrant Defenders Law Center, Los Angeles, CA
- Building Healthy Communities Kern, Bakersfield, CA
- Make the Road Nevada, Las Vegas, NV
