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FIRM Denounces Bellingham Raid, Asks President to Stop Raids and Recommit to Immigration Reform
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Statement by FIRM leaders
FIRM, a national grassroots coalition, strongly condemns the first workplace raid under the Obama Administration.
WASHINGTON – Yesterday, more than 70 Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents dressed in riot gear raided the Yamato Engine Specialists in Bellingham, Wash. and arrested 28 employees. It was the first workplace raid under the Obama Administration. The Fair Immigration Reform Movement, a national grassroots coalition, strongly condemns the raid.
“We are deeply disappointed that ICE has continued using this destructive, highly ineffective tactic,” said Marissa Graciosa, FIRM campaign coordinator. “We urge President Obama to deliver on his promise of change by stopping the raids, and signing just and humane immigration reform into law. Hauling off hardworking men and women in chains in a paramilitary operation wastes taxpayers’ money and sows fear in our communities. In this time of economic hardship, it is completely unacceptable to continue executing raids on our workforce, businesses and communities.
“President Obama has said he is on the side of hardworking men and women. Just last week, he addressed the largest radio audience in America with an appearance on the Piolín por la Mañana Show and reiterated his support of just and humane immigration reform. Mr. President, we are counting on you to convert your words into action. President Obama can start by immediately initiating administrative changes within the Department of Homeland Security to fix the broken policies that are hurting our families, communities and country.”
“Yesterday, the lives of 28 families were unnecessarily uprooted and a community sent reeling,” said Pramila Jayapal, executive director of OneAmerica, a member organization of FIRM. “This raid does nothing to solve the problems in our immigration system, and punishes those trying to make a better life for their families. We shouldn’t continue using the Bush Administration’s harsh enforcement actions against vulnerable immigrant working families. As the President said on Tuesday, ‘Living our values doesn't make us weaker. It makes us safer, and it makes us stronger.’ We urge President Obama to act on our values. We need reform, not raids.”
FIRM is working with its partner organizations on the ground to assist families impacted by the raid. Anyone needing assistance connecting to legal and social services is asked to contact OneAmerica at (206) 723-2203, extension 202. FIRM is also using its Mobile Action Network to urge activists to call President Obama and deliver the message of stopping the raids and enacting just and humane immigration reform. To join the network, text “justice” or “justicia” to 69866.
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