Immigration Resources in and near to Sacramento.

 

We are excited to share that the California Immigration Project (CIP) has officially launched! CIP is a new nonprofit organization committed to providing free, high-quality immigration legal services and community advocacy throughout California.  We’re also excited to share that the Sacramento FUEL Program, formerly housed at CRLA Foundation, will now be housed at CIP. We are honored to continue this vital program with the goal of ensuring access to legal education and services. We are deeply grateful to our AOD attorneys and dedicated volunteers, whose commitment makes this work possible. As we begin this new chapter together, we look forward to the continued impact we will make as a team.  The formation of CIP marks an exciting new chapter that builds on our many years of client-centered advocacy as members of CRLA Foundation’s immigration team – the majority of which came together to launch this new organization. For nearly a decade, our team has been privileged to provide free immigration legal services, education, and capacity building in the Sacramento, Central Valley, and Fresno regions. Becoming an independent organization allows us to strengthen our commitment to providing legal services to immigrant communities, while enabling CRLA Foundation to focus on its role as a State Bar support center. Our guiding principle has always been – and will continue to be – doing what is best for our clients and the communities we serve. At a time of unprecedented fear in our communities and escalating attacks on immigrants’ rights, we carry our work forward through CIP with both urgency and optimism, and we are confident in our team’s ability to meet the challenges of this moment with compassion, skill, and dedication.We look forward to collaborating with you to make a meaningful difference in the lives of immigrant communities across California. The FUEL Network is able to provide $90,000 in grants through funding from the City of Sacramento. These grants are distributed across FUEL Partners to develop and support educational and free legal services for Sacramento community members. Organizations apply and a Selection Committee of volunteers review the applications.  We are excited to announce our new 2025-2026 FUEL Subgrant Partners!  Afghan Labor Advocacy Network  AfriPeace Development Foundation  Project ANAR- Afghan Network for Advocacy and Resources Iranian-American Cultural & Educational Center(BAMDAD Radio) International Rescue Committee La Familia Counseling Center NorCal Resist Opening Doors Inc. Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services World Relief - Sacramento Our amazing partners support our educational and legal services, they provide the following services free of charge to Sacramento Community Members: Emergency Consultations at ERO Immigration Legal Consultations Legal Representation for Individuals who do not have Cases in Immigration Court Know Your Rights Presentations  Family Emergency Preparedness Assistance Presentations Community Support Groups and Counseling Services for Survivors of Trauma  Psychological Forensic Evaluations for Immigration Applications  Community Outreach on FUEL Services Updates on Changes to Immigration, Policy (e.g. Tabling Events) Please visit our website for more information on services provided by our partners!

Armed Secret Police Arrest Citizen and others in Sacramento.

 

Dear CA Community,

WE NEED YOU TO SHOW UP AGAINST the ICE Detention EXPANSION PROPOSAL IN CA CITY in Kern County on July 22nd at 5 pm! 

Location: City Hall, 21000 Hacienda Blvd., California City, CA 93505

The Trump administration, ICE and CoreCivic are trying to open a new ICE detention in the city, read more here. If this is realized, this will be the biggest ICE immigrant detention center in California with a capacity of 2,304 beds! After Congress allocated $45 billion in funding for detention expansion, the Trump administration is moving aggressively to try to open this facility by August/October. We know more detention will mean more raids targeting farmworking communities and other immigrant communities across California. 

The Dolores Huerta foundation has been mobilizing the community and needs our support. 

If you are planning to attend RSVP here: bit.ly/cacity622 

(to better coordinate and keep track of our collective power to push against this proposal) 

There might be an opportunity to join the city council meeting over zoom but we won’t know until the day of the meeting, you can still register and mark virtual attendance to make sure we notify you.  In-person participation is highly encouraged! 

Since the last time we attended the city council meeting, a planning commission has been appointed. We know the city is feeling the heat and we must continue to push them to take a stance against the expansion and deny any permits required for the proposal to move forward! 

Updated flyer coming and talking points will be shared closer to the meeting. 

Sacramento Restates Sanctuary City Status

 The City of Sacramento and Sacramento Police Department (SPD) are committed to the safety and well-being of all community members. California state law (Senate Bill 54) prohibits state and local law enforcement agencies from enforcing federal civil immigration laws—this is handled exclusively by federal agencies.

In addition, the City’s sanctuary city ordinance makes it clear that no City official, employee or agent of the City, while in the course and scope of employment, shall use any City funds or resources to enforce federal civil immigration law.

“Immigrant communities are at the heart of Sacramento’s culture and commerce,” said Mayor Kevin McCarty. “We will continue to stand up for these communities and work to protect their safety and security.”

“Since 1985, Sacramento has been a self-designated sanctuary city, and I’m proud those same values are reflected today, 40 years later,” said Mayor Pro Tem Eric Guerra. “With this and state law, Sacramento police officers are prohibited from asking for immigration status or assisting in immigration enforcement. Sacramento will not turn its back on the community.”

SPD is dedicated to addressing crime, supporting victims, and building trust, regardless of immigration status. For more information on SPD’s policy regarding immigration, visit https://bit.ly/spd-immigration.

This Frequently Ask Questions (FAQ) list outlines SPD’s role in immigration enforcement:

Can I be deported by SPD during a traffic stop or call for service?

Answer: No

Fight Back Rally _ Sacramento

 

Sacramento - a Sanctuary City. California - a Sanctuary State

  

Sacramento City Councilman Eric Guerra, the Mayor, and number of local politicians assert that Sacramento will remain a sanctuary city, and that all public officials will refuse to cooperate with ICE in their proclaimed mass deportations.   Today, December 18, 2024. The electeds were joined by community groups and religious organizations.

Under California law and local ordinances, no state or county funds can be used in the enforcement of immigration laws, and public employees may not cooperate with federal officials seeking to enforce immigration laws. 

Cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, and funding of cooperative efforts at immigration enforcement is prohibited by state law known as the California Values Act. 

Elected officials stressed that we did not cooperate in 2017 ( Trump 1), and we will not cooperate in 2025 (Trump 2). 

 

ACLU. On California Values Act 

 

https://www.aclusocal.org/en/know-your-rights/california-values-act-sb-54

 

Legislative intent.  California Values Act. 

 

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=201720180SB54

 

 

Choosing Democracy: Parents Understanding LCAP

Choosing Democracy: Parents Understanding LCAP:  

16 migrants from Texas flown to Sacramento, dropped off on doorstep of Catholic diocese

 Migrants Flown to Sacramento 

16 migrants from Texas flown to Sacramento, dropped off on doorstep of Catholic diocese BY ANDREW SHEELER, MATHEW MIRANDA, AND MAGGIE ANGST UPDATED JUNE 03, 2023 4:08 PM The offices of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Sacramento on 21st Street near Broadway in the Curtis Park district of Sacramento. On Friday, June 2, 2023, 16 migrants were brought to the diocese’s offices after being flown from Texas to Sacramento. Sacramento Bee file Sixteen migrants from Venezuela and Colombia were taken from El Paso, Texas, to New Mexico, and then flown by private chartered plane to Sacramento where they were left on the doorstep of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Sacramento.

 California Gov. Gavin Newsom said Saturday that he and Attorney General Rob Bonta met with the migrants, and that he is working with Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg’s office as well as area nonprofits “to ensure the people who have arrived are treated with respect and dignity, and get to their intended destination as they pursue their immigration cases.

” “My administration is also working with the California Department of Justice to investigate the circumstances around who paid for the group’s travel and whether the individuals orchestrating this trip misled anyone with false promises or have violated any criminal laws, including kidnapping,” Newsom said. 

Steinberg likened the act to human smuggling. “Whoever is behind this must answer the following: Is there anything more cruel than using scared human beings to score cheap political points?” Steinberg said in a statement. “Sacramento represents the best of American values. We always welcome ‘the tired, the poor, and the huddled masses,’ and we always will.” 

S Sacramento ACT, a collaboration of area religious congregations, said in a statement that after being processed at the border, the migrants were approached by “individuals representing a private contractor” who said they would assist them with getting to a migrant center where they would find jobs and free support. ‘THEY DESERVE TO BE TREATED BETTER’ The migrants, upon arriving in Sacramento, had no idea where they were and “only a backpack’s worth of belongings,” Sacramento ACT said. The group said that the migrants all have pending court appearances, and that by transporting them to California under false pretenses, there will be a disruption in their legal due process. “What has occurred recently with the deceiving drop off of our undocumented brothers and sisters into the Sacramento area grieves my heart. This political polarizing act is heartbreaking and yet I rejoice that I am part of a movement that brings the love of God and goodwill upon the injustices and political wickedness that impacts our vulnerable brothers and sisters,” said the Rev. Efrem Smith, Sacramento ACT president, in a statement. Rabbi Mona Alfi, of Congregation B’nai Israel, said that what happened to the migrants was “a moral travesty” and that “these are human beings, no different than you or me, who simply want to take care of their families and live a peaceful life, and they deserve to be treated better.”

 

Read more at: https://www.sacbee.com/news/local/article276070496.html#storylink=cpy

Tamale Fundraiser for Student Aid

 

March for Justice 2022

 

We have a new post March for Justice 1963 and 2022 on our blog.

 

https://www.dsanorthstar.org/blog/march-for-justice-1963-20022

 

It features a photo from the 1963 March on Washington with a link to an article on the march.

 

And a photo from the 2022 March on Sacramento to protect farm worker voting rights.  August 26,2022.  Along with links to an article and photo pictorial on the march. 

Posted by Duane Campbell

Photo by David Bacon. 

More at https://www.dsanorthstar.org/blog/march-for-justice-1963-20022

 

Farm Workers Begin Historic MARCH TO SACRAMENTO

The United Farm Workers union set out for a 24-day march from Delano to Sacramento, the state’s capital.

California farmworkers are on the move. , F Armstrong Photography, Shutterstock.

Around 500 farmworkers took their first steps today in a march for voting rights that will take the participants 335 miles across the state of California over 24 days.  The march, entitled “March for the Governor’s Signature,” is a rally to urge California governor Gavin Newsom to sign a bill that would allow more voting options for farmworkers when casting a ballot for or against unionization—adding both mail-in or drop-off ballot choices.  The march began today at the United Farm Workers union’s original headquarters in Delano, California, and it will continue over the course of the next few weeks. Participants will be starting the walk at 7 am every day until they reach their final destination, the state capital in Sacramento. They’re expected to arrive on August 26 after marching on foot for an average of 15 miles per day.  Farmworkers have faced historic discrimination when it comes to fair labor practices and have long been excluded from labor protections under federal and state laws. In the past, farmworkers have been purposefully left out of protections such as the 1938Fair Labor Standards Act, which guarantees overtime pay, as well as the 1935 National Labor Relations Act, which makes it illegal for an employer to fire an employee on the basis of supporting a labor union. And now, reports Civil Eats, less than one percent of American farmers are part of a labor union. The current law dictates that farmworkers are allowed the right to vote if they want to be represented by a union. As of now, the voting process involves workers voting at an in-person-only venue, designated by the ​​Agricultural Labor Relations Board (ALRB). The process typically happens at the workers’ place of employment. The voters must present an identification card or pay stub and are then handed a ballot to vote on anonymously. The ballots are then reviewed by the ALRB. A new bill—AB 2183, the Agricultural Labor Relations Voting Choice Act—would protect voters from acts such as voter suppression by employers, who could face fines of up to $10,000 for the suppression or any predatory labor practices. The goal of the bill is to eliminate hurdles for voters, along with subjection to intimidation and threats when casting their ballot.  The language of the bill adopts the same used for voters’ rights in political elections in California, meaning it allows for farmworkers to mail in their ballots or opt to drop them off at designated locations instead of needing to be physically present to vote. This provides the opportunity for the workers to seek help with completing their ballot, as well as the option to have assistance in delivering the ballot, as it would allow others the right to do so on behalf of a worker.  Governor Newsom, who has previously declared August 26 as “farmworker appreciation day,” vetoed the 2021 farm worker voting choice bill in September of last year.  === California March for Farmworkers Rights; Governor Newsom; Voting Rights for California Farm Workers;

 

Cesar Chavez March

 

https://sacramento.downtowngrid.com/events/20th-annual-sacramento-cesar-chavez-march-festival/

Chicano Oral History Project

 

Dia de los Muertos - Sacramento

Día de Los Muertos - (Day of the Dead)
October 28 & 29    (Thurs. & Fri.)      6:00 pm to 10:00 pm
October 30              (Saturday)       10:00 am to 10:00 pm
October 31               (Sunday)            8:00 am to 8:00 pm
El Panteón de Sacramento, 2700 Front Street , Sacramento CA

To participate at this event, please contact:
Presenting Organization:  Latino Center of Art & Culture  (916) 446-5133

“El Día de Los Muertos” (Day of the Dead) is a Mexican holiday observed on November 1st and 2nd, throughout México and around the world in other cultures.  While this colorful holiday takes many forms, it always focuses on gatherings of family and friends to remember and celebrate the lives of friends and family members who have died.

Internationally, the celebration takes place on October 31, November 1 and November 2, in connection with the Triduum of Hallowtide, All Hallows’ Eve, All Saints Day, and All Souls’ Day.

In Mexican tradition, “El Día de Los Muertos” pays homage to the dearly departed by erecting and dedicating beautiful altars in their honor and paying tribute to their memory.  The altars bring together photo images of the deceased, food, water and drink that they particularly enjoyed, “pan de muerto”, aromatic incense, candles, “cempaxúchitl” (marigolds), colorful artifacts and sugar skulls. 

Where possible, a “desfile” (community procession) goes to the local cemetery to deliver vivid orange marigolds, beautiful marigold crosses, gifts and remembrances to the grave sites of the loved ones.  It is an ancient Mexican belief that the souls of the dead have gone to a better place and that no soul likes to be thought of sadly, therefore it is common to see the procession accompanied by local people dressed as “Calacas” (skeletons), depicted as joyous figures often wearing festive clothing, dancing, and playing musical instruments to indicate a happy afterlife.

It is said that every altar should have the representation of the four elements, earth, wind, fire and water.  The community strives to include these through the use of “Papél Picado” (images cut into colorful tissue) because it’s lightness and fragility reminds us of the breeze, the flowers come from and represent the earth, the candles represent fire and there is water. Many altars will have a candle for every person we wish to remember.  The candle assists the loved one to see their altar, the water and food are provided to nourish them following their long journey from beyond and the incense to make their arrival pleasant. 

 

People of Color History in DSA

Two comrades in Sacramento have written a four part history of  people of color work in DSA. We congratulate them on their work and recommend it.

https://sacdsa.org/blog/2020/07/06/a-people-of-color-s-history-of-dsa-part-4-DSA-Looks-Inward/

 

At the same time, we must insist that the story of people of color in DSA is not only the story of African American participation. While mentioned in part two of the series, after that the work of the Anti Racism Commission and the Latino Commissions in DSA  disappear.   There needs to be a part five and six at least.  On our blog post  is a supplement to the four part series people of color history. The current  history of DSA as presented by the Sacramento writers  David Roddy and Alyssa De La Rosa  misses this important work. 

 

On our blog.

 

https://www.dsanorthstar.org/blog/people-of-color-history-of-dsa

 

Why is this important?

For the 2021 convention resolution # 36 calls for the rebuilding of an effort of Latino Organizing within DSA by chartering a Latino Socialistas Working Group. 

 

Here is that resolution.

https://convention2021.dsausa.org/files/sites/23/2021/05/2021-DSA-Convention-Resolutions-for-Secondary-Amendment-Review.pdf#page=126

The sections of the resolution explain well why DSA needs a Latino Socialist Working Group.  

Having spent my political career organizing along side the Latino community, and currently doing Immigrants rights work,  I find this resolution very important.  Of course a  Latino  agenda goes far beyond immigration issues,. Please support resolution 36.  

 

Posted by Duane Campbell 

 

 

 

 

Immigrants' Rights Day - Sacramento

Immigration Day of Action - Sacramento

In 2017, this event focused on The California Trust Act, which became SB 54, the California Sanctuary bill.  The effort was successful. SB 54 became California law in January 2018.

This year's platform emphasizes the drive towards a California that works for all individuals and families. These five powerful bills form a forward-thinking agenda which recognizes the contributions of California’s immigrants while advancing community health, greater economic prosperity, and racial justice. 

Join us in Sacramento on May 20th to support an inclusive vision for all Californians!

INTRODUCING THE IMMIGRANT DAY OF ACTION 2019 POLICY PLATFORM!

As cruel federal policies threaten the well-being of immigrant communities across the state, we are called to uphold our values of compassion and equity. We must stand strong in our advocacy for protections and provisions that ensure all residents of the Golden State have the opportunity to thrive.

The following package of bill proposals will take historic strides to protect and provide for the most vulnerable populations who are our family, friends, neighbors and co-workers. This Immigrant Day of Action, we focus our fight on:

1) Health4All: SB 29 (Durazo) / AB 4 (Bonta, Chiu, Santiago)

Co-Sponsored by CIPC and Health Access

With the Trump administration’s policies harming immigrants’ physical and mental health, we must expand access to health care to include all Californians. Our healthcare system is stronger when everyone is included, and no one should suffer or die from a treatable condition, no matter where they were born. People who are ineligible for health coverage due to their immigration status continue to make up the largest group of California’s remaining uninsured population. AB 4 and SB 29 would provide access to comprehensive Medi-Cal to all low-income Californians, regardless of immigration status.

2) CalEITC: AB 1593 (Reyes)

Co-Sponsored by CIPC, United Ways of California, and the California Children’s Defense Fund

The California Earned Income Tax Credit (CalEITC) provides low-income individuals and families, particularly those living below the poverty line, a modest financial credit to secure basic necessities such as food and school supplies. While Governor Newsom proposed to greatly expand the CalEITC, immigrant tax filers remain excluded. CIPC, in partnership with the CalEITC Advocacy Coalition, is working to change this. AB 1593 would make the CalEITC a more inclusive policy by removing these harmful exclusions for working immigrants who file their taxes with an ITIN or SSN.

Bishop Rice Talks About Immigration Pilgrimage on Fox’s Great Day

Poor People's Campaign - Sacramento

From April 3rd to April 13th, the California Poor People's Campaign is organizing a statewide Truth & Poverty Tour to shine a light on the plight, fight, and insight of the poor across California, and the real national emergencies that require immediate attention. We are coming to Sacramento, CA on April 4th for our second tour stop. We will be hosting a public Poor People's Town Hall, and then a Poor People's March and Rally. RSVP11 AM-1 PM: Town hall Meeting, Community Space, 400 16th St., Sacramento 1-2 PM: March and Rally, Loaves and Fishes at 12th and North C St. (Cul de Sac), Sacramento We’ll meet at 400 16th Street, at the corner of D Street. We’ll be running shuttle vans/cars from the Target store parking lot at Broadway and Riverside Blvd. Please park at the far end of the parking lot from the store, along Riverside Blvd. The shuttles will be there beginning at 10:30 am. They’ll be available to bring you back after the event as well.  For shuttle service info please contact Mario at 916 224-4400.  For more info contact: Kevin Carter, kcwethepeople@gamil.com, Faye Wilson Kennedy, fayek@springmail.com Join us in lifting the voices of the poor and marginalized in our community and highlighting solutions to our nation’s fundamental issues. You won’t want to miss out! Forward together, California Poor People’s Campaign

Fox & Friends Whines About our Sacramento Work

Fox Contributor: Comic Book For Undocumented Kids Incites ‘Lawlessness’

In fact, the pamphlet specifically tells children not to lie to authorities.


By Amy Russo

During a “Fox & Friends” segment Tuesday, contributor Jedediah Bila expressed outrage over a comic book designed to teach undocumented immigrant children how to respond if approached by Immigration and Customs Enforcementofficials.

On Monday, the Sacramento Immigration Coalition announced the publicationof “When ICE Comes Knocking,” which is set to be distributed around a handful of California counties to help inform immigrants of their rights

“What kind of message is this sending to kids, to everyone?” Bila asked, claiming “it helps kids avoid the feds and escape.”


https://www.huffpost.com/entry/ice-comic-book-fox-news_n_5c912866e4b071a25a8795d1


In fact, the pamphlet, of which there is also an adult version, specifically tells children not to lie to authorities, and points out the importance of contacting an attorney and maintaining silence.

Former acting ICE director Tom Honan then called it a “sad day in America when they create a comic book that shows children how to protect your parents form law enforcement.”

“It’s asking for total lawlessness,” Bila falsely declared.

During a press conference unveiling the publication, the Sacramento group’s chair Janet Rodriguez said she was “really proud to see this moment come to fruition,” and urged the public to share the document.

Duane Campbell of the League of United Latin American Citizens LULAC, ( and Democratic Socialists of America) one of the project’s sponsors, has already distributed more than 1,000 copies.

“We take them to places like, English as a second language classes, we take them to classes at the university and tell them to please take it to your local church, take it to your local bar, take it to any place where migrants hang out,” he said.



Amy Russo   Huff post.com