ICE's operations in Los Angeles and around California mark a troubling escalation - workplace raids coupled with the arrest of community members exercising their First Amendment rights to observe and protest. These tactics, along with the federal activation of the California National Guard and the deployment of U.S. Marines, weaponize fear to terrorize not just undocumented residents, but anyone who would stand with their neighbors or participate in democratic discourse.

 

The League of Women Voters of California and League of Women Voters of the United States issued a joint statementcondemning the use of federal force on peaceful protestors. We stand firmly in solidarity with impacted communities.

 

How You Can Help and Stay Informed

 

We’re sharing essential resources, including this list of Rapid Response Networks across California:

 

Rapid Response Networks

 

Northern California

Bay Area

Central Coast & Central Valley

Southern California

San Diego

Know Your Rights Materials

 

Know Your Rights toolkitfrom the Immigrant Legal Resource Center. This resource provides you with information on how to order or print red cards, rights documents in several languages, and more.

 

Red Cards

 

“Red Cards” are a valuable tool to have available for anyone who might need a quick and accessible explanation of their rights. The Immigrant Legal Resource Center provides instructions to print your own or, if you have resources to do so, you can order them. Ways to use red cards are outlined here.

 

Legal and Community Education Resources

 

Useful guides on ICE home encounters and immigrant rights are available in multiple languages from the Asian Law Caucus.

 

Recent LWVC Webinar

 

As part of this year’s webinar series, we offered California’s Immigration Protections: Resistance & Resilience, discussing the challenges immigrants face in California, policy solutions, and ways to help our communities stay informed and aware of their rights.

 

Please save and share these resources widely with your networks. Put your local hotline number on speed dial. Stand together. Check in on your neighbors. Educate others.

 

True democracy means everyone can live with dignity and safety.

 

In League,

Helen Hutchison

Interim Executive Director

LWVC