Statement regarding ICE
Contact:
Crystal Zamarron,
Digital and Communications Director,
Deeds Not Words is in solidarity and fight to end the terror enforced through the Department of Homeland Security and its use of Immigration & Customs Enforcement. As an organization dedicated to reproductive justice and the freedom to thrive, we refuse to back down to fascism. Deeds Not Words calls for the abolition of ICE and immigration detention camps.
With the recent public shootings by ICE Agents in Minnesota, the murder of Keith Porter Jr. in California, and the six people who died while in ICE custody, we call for our legislators to demand the abolishing of these tactics and institutions.
Reports of inhumane conditions, separation of families, and sexual and physical abuse of pregnant people detained by ICE have been cited for years and there has not been any reform that has rectified the harm this institution has caused.
We demand:
Closing all detention centers located in Texas
Investigation and prosecution of:
Gross negligence for human rights and lives
Mishandling administrative and logistical operations
Management and leadership teams of ICE, DHS, etc.
Policies that uphold human rights
Lawmakers to call for the abolition of ICE
The end of border militarization and respective funding
Texas County Sheriffs to end all 287(g) agreements across the state
The 287(g) agreements between our counties and ICE allow local law enforcement officers to conduct federal immigration enforcement activities
Let’s be clear: This was never about immigration policy. It was about making immigrants the scapegoats for problems caused by the top 1% and using racism to get it done.
According to the Texas Tribune, as of November, 1 in 4 ICE arrests were made in Texas. No matter their status or background, people should have the freedom to migrate to these lands with dignity. Migration is a human right!
United States Veterans, immigrants utilizing pathways to citizenship, and legal citizens alike have all faced abuse and even deportation by the federal government. Now, even death. These are not normal circumstances. Nothing will change without action from us all.
Showing up isn’t easy. It requires a sacrifice of some sort: your time, your energy, your money. But it is necessary.
Boycott!
Support mutual aid organizations
United We Dream
Defending Our Neighbors Fund
Immigrant Legal Resource Center
If your county is working with ICE, tell your county sheriff to end their 287(g) agreement to stop all local enforcement
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Deeds Not Words is a youth organizing non-profit, rooted in gender justice, that galvanizes the power of young leaders across Texas to champion a just future through leadership development, advocacy, and cultural organizing. Deeds aims to build a new generation of leaders across Texas who will advance the fight for justice, equality, and opportunity for all and are fighting for a Texas that values Reproductive Justice, Fair and Just Representation, Freedom from Violence, and the Freedom to Thrive.