EOIR has announced that all non-detained court hearings are suspended through May 15 due to the coronavirus pandemic. Call EOIR at 800-898-7180 or visit EOIR's automated case information website (click here) once a week to stay informed about a rescheduled court date. ICE and ISAP in-person reporting requirements are suspended until further notice. For questions or concerns about check-ins with ICE or ISAP, contact your local ICE office or ISAP case worker.
Effective Monday March 16th, the NSC Office will be temporarily closed.
NSC is still rapidly responding, and meeting deadlines.
We will be working remotely.
To volunteer in remote roles, sign up here.
ICE continues to target our community members.
To report ICE Raids / Activity:
903-884-4357 / 908-791-5309
ICE is still holding our friends in custody despite the spread of the coronavirus.
The conditions we're hearing about get worse daily.
Click to learn more about how to advocate for our Friends' release.
First and foremost, we are holding in our hearts all who have been affected by the COVID-19 outbreak.
Also on our minds are on the thousands still reporting to ICE, the thousands attending immigration hearings, and the thousands detained in jails around the nation, forced to live through this pandemic without necessary and proper healthcare and preventative equipment and measures.
WHAT WE'RE DOING
This week, ICE announced that they would be banning "social visitation" in detention facilities. This move will only further isolate human beings who should not be detained in the first place, keeping them from staying in touch with their loved ones. With these compounding acts of cruelty, ICE keeps detainees under their powerful thumb, even using the threat of a virus to further dehumanize the most vulnerable.
Our continuing spiritual imperative is to keep our Friends safe from removal while doing our part to prevent the spread of coronavirus. It is increasingly difficult to do so because immigration courts are still open and detention centers won't free our Friends, but as new information surfaces regarding prevention and safety, we will shift our programs, services, and action plans.
Because of your continued support our Accompaniment Program just broke a record -- completing 104 accompaniments in one week! Our Pro Se Clinic also completed more than 15 asylum applications.
For updates on NYC's response to COVID-19, visit NYC Health.
We will continue to share updates on our web site and all social media platforms.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
Volunteer -- We are looking for volunteers in new remote roles. Click HERE for a sign-up form, let us know how you can help, and we'll be in touch soon!
Donate -- The good news is that the investments we are making in digital infrastructure will help us serve more Friends more efficiently after this crisis. The tough news is, these changes put a strain on our budget. Your donations make a huge difference in our ability to respond to emerging crises like Covid-19 without interrupting our critical ongoing programs. Please donate today to make this work possible.
Boost the signal -- Help us make people in your network aware of what's going on with our Friends. ICE continues to target, detain, and deport. Detention centers lack treatment and care options, isolating Friends instead of freeing them. We will continue to update you via email and our social media platforms.
Engage your faith leaders -- We are asking faith leaders to pressure immigration judges and detention centers to take drastic measures (including #FreeThemAll) to protect our Friends in detention and at risk of detention. A template for this outreach is available HERE! Reach out to micah@newsanctuarynyc.org with any questions.
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Thank you for always standing with us in solidarity, in faith, and in hope! |
Ravi Ragbir and the NSC Team
ICE Violence and Ramp Up on Sanctuary Cities
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A recent NY Times article confirms what we already knew. ICE has been militarizing neighborhoods, knocking on doors before sunrise, and using firearms on unarmed civilians. They are sending SWAT-style teams of Border Patrol agents to "sanctuary cities" who will not comply with their fascistic tactics. This is far from surprising news. Last year, there was an armored tank on a Queens street, and our borders have been militarized for many years. But now, this horror has come to our city streets and neighborhoods. It's time for the masses to wake up. We must end these dehumanizing laws and racist policies. Over recent weeks, the administration has stepped up its fight against sanctuary jurisdictions and taken measures like barring New York residents from enrolling in certain Trusted Traveler programs, such as Global Entry. This week, the 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals reversed a lower court ruling that blocked the Justice Department from withholding money from "sanctuary cities" which includes New York. From immigrants to citizens, this administration continues its attack on communities and it's members. We are calling on all people of moral consciousness to join us and our allies in solidarity. We will not be intimidated by this threat. Our movement was born from faith in the fact that resistance can make a difference, and we invite you to fiercely, faithfully resist with us. Check out our website and look for follow-up emails with information on how you can get involved in Rapid response and Sanctuary in your community. Call your Members of Congress, Governor Cuomo, and state legislators and ask them what they are doing to stand up against Trump’s war on, “sanctuary cities.” #AbolishICE #SanctuaryCities |
ICE Threatens NYC Sanctuary With Violence and Hypocrisy, We Will Not Be Moved
The New Sanctuary Coalition calls out Matthew Albence, Acting Director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), for his gall and hypocrisy. His finger pointing at our sanctuary city for the death of a citizen is absolutely astounding considering the number of people who have died while in ICE custody.
We are appalled by the brutality of this moment. We need to stop all violence, both from within our communities, and from outside agencies like ICE that have destroyed so many lives. We strongly reject ICE's attempts to exploit another immigrant’s status. No one is illegal, and this demonization of all immigrants and people of color is defamatory and dehumanizing.
Is Acting Director Albence ready to take responsibility for the death of seven children who have died in ICE custody since last year? Felipe Gomez Alonzo, Carlos Gregorio Hernandez Vasquez, Jakelin Caal Maquin, Mariee Juarez, Wilma Josue Ramirez Vasquez, Darilyn Valle, and Juan de Leon Gutierrez were all under the age of 18 and in ICE custody when they died. The violence he is supposedly denouncing, is happening under his watch.
Today, as we celebrate Martin Luther King Jr., let's remember his words, "An injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere." The New Sanctuary Coalition denounces violence and injustice, and works toward a world where all people are treated with dignity and respect.
For a list of resources to continue to make this a sanctuary city, click here.