LA Immigration ACTION ALERT
Sara LaWall
Dear Justice Leaders,
I am writing to ask your help in mobilizing to support a local immigrant family and be present for a press conference this Thursday, February 14, 2013 at 10am in Winnetka.
The Story: Hector, a day laborer in Winnetka was arrested on Friday, after the man who hired him falsely accused him of assault when he asked to be paid for the extra hours the job would require. As a result of his undocumented status, an ICE Hold was placed upon him, which means he is currently being held indefinitely in a detention facility. You can read the full account of the story here: http://action.altoarizona.com/p/dia/action3/common/public/?action_KEY=12792
Because Hector and his wife were residents of Canoga Park and because Emerson Unitarian Universalist Church has begun to take an more active look at immigration as a moral issue, we’ve reached out to NDLON to see how we might help. They have outlined three important needs and we are asking you to join us so we might expand our voice as progressive religious leaders and be in the forefront of action and conversation about the need for compassionate immigration reform which includes no more ICE holds.
1) PRESS CONFERENCE ATTENDANCE: Please help us mobilize people--members, friends, anyone--to be present at the NDLON press conference this Thursday, Feb. 14 at 10:00am. We will gather on their corner of Sherman Way & Amigo (between Reseda and Wilbur). What a perfect way to celebrate Valentine’s Day by Standing on the Side of Love! The more clergy we have with stoles, collars (whatever works for you), the better! I am the coordinating contact person for this event. sa...@emersonuuc.org or 818-422-6599.
2) SIGN THE PETITION TO DROP THE ICE HOLD ON HECTOR. You can forward this online petition for people to sign to urge ICE to drop their hold of Hector. NDLON has a great set-up to share this n Facebook and twitter so social media, viral sharing is encouraged! http://action.altoarizona.com/p/dia/action3/common/public/?action_KEY=12792
3) DONATE to Hector’s fund. Because of the assault charge, Hector’s case is complicated. Although we’re told the charge has been reduced to a misdemeanor, Hector’s supporters are not having good communication with the public defender. Donate here: http://www.gofundme.com/HelpHector They would like to get him a good criminal defense attorney and would like financial help for his wife who has had to leave their apartment and move in with her sister to take care of their 3-year old daughter. They are worried they will never see Hector again.
This is a unique opportunity to Stand on the Side of Love with a local San Fernando Valley family, to support compassionate immigration reform that puts families first and to be faith leaders out in front, giving a public voice and witness to our religious values. I hope you will join me. Please take a moment to let me know if you are able to be at the press conference and if you are able to spread the word to your members. I’d like to try to keep a rough count of how many might be able to attend.
In faith,
Sara LaWall
Ministerial Intern
Emerson UU Church