Be a Light in the Darkness

As the local and national news feeds overflow with violent, disturbing images and information coming out of Minnesota and across the country, it’s easy to become overwhelmed, numb and helpless. Fortunately, there are dozens of organizations that are actively working to defend our immigrant neighbors’ rights. 

Some are offering on-the-ground, immediate help, some are working for lasting systemic change, and some are organizing so that there are processes in place to support people through these terrible situations. The way the people of Minnesota (including Jillian Hiscock at our sister women’s sports bar, A Bar of Their Own) have come together to organize, share resources, and protect their immigrant community is inspiring. Just look at all these resources, and these, too! Below are just a handful of choices that support the efforts to protect our immigrant communities at home and nationwide. 

Direct Mutual Aid & Rapid Response

Local funds can provide the most immediate relief to families and individuals.

Minnesota

• Stand With Minnesota Donation Network offers an expansive directory of ways to help. Choose to support legal observing, community defense, rapid response and direct support to individual immigrant families.
• Local Mutual Aid Funds are set up by neighbors, for neighbors to support families impacted by enforcement, detention or displacement. Powderhorn and Columbia Heights have set up well-vetted GoFundMe campaigns.

Portland, Oregon

• Portland Immigrant Rights Coalition (PIRC) runs Oregon’s ICE Rapid Response Hotline (1-888-622-1510), and provides community education, advocacy and accompaniment.

Portland, Maine

• Food For All Services provides culturally appropriate, Halal and accessible food to Maine’s immigrant and low-income communities, as ICE enforcement begins to ramp up there.

Legal Defense & Systemic Change

These organizations are focused on legal representation and urgent policy reform. 

Minnesota

• Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota (ILCM) provides free immigration-related legal representation to low-income immigrants and refugees in Minnesota and North Dakota.
• ACLU of Minnesota offers litigation, policy advocacy and legal action to protect the rights and civil liberties of immigrants.

Portland, Oregon

• Northwest Immigrant Rights Project (NWIRP) provides direct legal services and policy advocacy for immigrants across the Pacific Northwest.

National

• Immigrant Defense Project is a national leader at the intersection of criminal and immigration law, offering litigation and community defense tools.

Community Organizing & Long-term Advocacy

The groups below are helping to empower their communities and establish systemic protections. 

Minnesota

• Immigrant Defense Network (IDN) is a  network of more than 90 organizations defending immigrant rights with rapid response, legal support, and community defense across Minnesota.
• Minnesota Immigrant Rights Action Committee (MIRAC) is a grassroots, immigrant-led organization working to end deportations, raids, and anti-immigrant policy.

Portland, Oregon

• Immigrant & Refugee Community Organization (IRCO) is a community-based service and organizing hub led by and for immigrants and refugees.

National

• United We Dream is a youth-led national movement advancing immigrant dignity, policy change, and protections like DACA. 
  

Non-monetary Support

Donating money isn't the only way to help! Consider volunteering for a nonprofit, offering the organization your cans and bottles (in states with redemption), or giving rides, companionship, meals, meeting space, or just a listening ear to people in need.