(Passing on a letter from Jose Gonzalez – Taos Immigrant Allies)
To All Friends, Family, Colleagues, Professionals, and Providers ~
I can’t really sleep after learning the atrocities our current Administration is unfolding. I have many mix emotions thinking of how many migrant children have died in U.S. custody. Children and families whom escape violence, poverty, assault, gangs, and homelessness to seek a better future. How many more children need to die before our national government awakes? Eight? Nine? or Ten?
Words like Border Patrol and ICE create a Fear Factor in any immigrant community, just this week, we learned how ICE is planning massive raids across the nation to arrest and deport parents, siblings, grandparents, uncles, aunts, and friends. These are community members that belong to a family and of course, have children of their own. How many more children have to suffer trauma due to deportation or family separation? The long-term effects children encounter are irreparable and almost impossible to rectify.
Many of you and other community members in Taos have expressed to us fear, anguish, concern, and uncertainty over latest threats the immigrant community is up against. Our commitment to the immigrant community in Taos will always be the same – Educate, Support, Advocate, and Learn. I am grateful to all of you who have stepped up in these hard times trying to advocate and assist and responding with kindness and compassion. Your motivation and willingness is truly appreciate it.
Starting today Saturday June 22nd, we will task ourselves to out into many of the local neighborhoods every weekend and bring “Know Your Rights” and “What to do if ICE shows up to your Home, School, and Work” brochures and flyers to prepare and educate families of the unexpected.
This is a commitment we will continue to empower to create awareness and cultural compassion. In addition, we hope to listen and acknowledge the many fears these families are facing and figure out the best way to support them. I also want to thank our local law enforcement and local officials whom still continue to adhere and honor the resolutions that have passed in our county in the last two years, not just the “Immigration Friendly Resolution” but also the “Dreamers Resolution” and “Family Separation Resolution.” I am deeply honored for all your support and respect.
There are many of you who want to volunteer, support, and donate. Feel free to contact us at sinfronterasnuevomexico@gmail.com or jgonza37@unm.edu for further information. Also like and follow our Facebook Page “Sin Fronteras Nuevo Mexico” with daily news and events.
Lastly, we are working on our donations to the border presentation happening late July called “Una Noche Sin Fronteras.” If anyone is interested in helping us locate a place to host the presentation, please email us at the address listed above. Also, we are planning our annual “Bake Sale Fundraiser” potentially happening mid July, if anyone is interested in helping us coordinate the bake sale please email us. And, many have approached us about our next border trip, the next border trip will take place the first week of August, more information to come.
Thank you for your time and all your efforts.
Sincerely,
Jose Gonzalez
Vannesa Gonzalez
Eva Quezada