In the face of heightened immigration enforcement under the Trump administration, local activists across the country have stepped up to provide support and protection for immigrant communities. Through community organizing, legal aid, and direct action, these activists are working to ensure that immigrants have access to their rights and are treated with dignity and respect..
One of the most visible forms of local activism has been the creation of rapid response networks. These networks, which are typically organized by local nonprofits and faith-based groups, train volunteers to respond to immigration raids and provide support to affected individuals and families. Volunteers may provide legal observation, translation services, and emotional support, as well as help to connect immigrants with resources such as food, housing, and medical care..
Rapid response networks have played a critical role in protecting immigrants from deportation. In 2018, for example, volunteers from the New York City Rapid Response Network helped to prevent the deportation of a young man named Jose Morales. Morales, who had been brought to the United States as a child, had been detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) after a traffic stop. With the help of the rapid response network, Morales was able to obtain legal representation and ultimately win his case for asylum..
In addition to rapid response networks, local activists are also working to provide legal aid to immigrants. This includes representing immigrants in deportation proceedings, helping them to apply for visas and green cards, and providing legal advice on a range of issues, such as employment, housing, and education..
Legal aid organizations have been particularly important in defending immigrants against the Trump administration’s .
