Immigration Toolkit: https://www.nyic.org/resources-training/kyr/

Red Card: https://www.ilrc.org/red-cards-tarjetas-rojas

All people in the United States, regardless of immigration status, have certain rights and protections under the U.S. Constitution. The ILRC’s Red Cards help people assert their rights and defend themselves in many situations, such as when ICE agents go to a home.

Quick recap

The meeting involved discussions about various issues affecting the community, including immigration policies, education, and the role of local organizations in addressing these challenges. The participants also discussed the importance of understanding one's rights and the need for a unified community response to support immigrants and refugees. Plans were made for further collaboration and communication among the group members to address these issues and work towards positive change.

Next steps

• Share information on knowing your rights and what allies can do to help potential victims of immigration enforcement.

• Send out meeting notes.

• Send the New York State Community Toolkit PDF to Eleanor for distribution to the group. (Link to Toolkit is above.)

• Keep the group updated on efforts to get the New York Immigration Coalition to give a presentation in Rochester.

• Share updates from the upcoming meeting with the Rochester City School District and city officials on Monday.

• Continue to network and coordinate efforts among various organizations to support immigrants and refugees.

• Contact ABC and the New Americans program to find out what they are doing regarding immigration issues.

• Consider attending local Democratic Committee designation meetings to ask questions about immigration policies.

• Add Thomas Green and Amorette Miller to the mailing list for future communications.

• Share links to upcoming designation meetings from the Monroe County Democratic Committee website with the group.

• Monitor developments in the coming days regarding immigration-related issues.

• Be prepared for a potential emergency meeting before the next scheduled monthly meeting.

• Contact John Boutet if any urgent matters arise that require group discussion before the next scheduled meeting.

• Continue working alongside Candace Lucas and ULR on immigration-related priorities.

Immigration Policies and Community Rights

In the meeting, John and Dan discussed the recent changes in immigration policies under Trump's administration. Dan explained that Trump's order allows ICE to enter schools, churches, and other sanctuary cities, which could lead to arrests of students and staff. He also mentioned that the New York Times had published an article on New York City's policies regarding ICE visits to schools. Dan emphasized the importance of understanding one's rights in case of ICE encounters and shared a story about a person who successfully defended undocumented individuals from ICE by knowing the difference between a judicial and administrative warrant. Paul suggested organizing a presentation by the New York State Immigration Coalition to educate the community on their rights and how to support targeted families.

Immigration Challenges and Community Response

The meeting was primarily focused on discussing the challenges faced by immigrants and the need for a unified response from the community. Paul shared that the farm workers group he's involved with has switched from using Whatsapp to Signal due to concerns about Meta-owned platforms. Dr. discussed the importance of informing places of worship about their rights and the need for a clear policy from the Rochester City School District (RCSD) regarding their stance on immigration. Candace, representing the Urban League, mentioned that they have not yet received a clear policy from the RCSD and are seeking more information. The group also discussed the potential for mass arrests in schools and the need for the community to be prepared. Plans were made for Candace to share an update from her upcoming meeting with the RCSD.

Community Group Addresses Project 2025

Candace discussed the formation of a community group focused on addressing various issues, including immigration, education, policing, and healthcare. The group has been meeting in smaller groups to understand the implications of Project 2025 and the policies of the previous term. They have also been meeting with elected leaders to build relationships and partnerships. Candace mentioned a meeting with Representative Morelli, where they discussed immigration issues. The group plans to meet with Mayor Evans and Sheriff Baxter, and also hopes to meet with Senator Schumer. Eleanor requested a copy of the questions asked during the meeting with Representative Morelli to provide a framework for asking questions in other venues.

Rights of Refugees and Immigrants

The meeting revolved around discussions on the rights of refugees and immigrants, particularly in relation to ICE regulations. The participants discussed the need for citizens to understand their rights and the difference between executive orders and constitutional rights. They also talked about creating an "underground railroad" system to help undocumented immigrants. The meeting also touched on the verbal violence and threats made by the current administration towards immigrants, with a focus on the potential constitutional threat and the involvement of the military and National Guards. The participants also discussed the need for allies to be informed about their rights and how to exercise them.

National Civil Rights and Refugees

Candace discussed national civil rights organizations filing lawsuits against executive orders, particularly on birthright citizenship. John raises the concern about assisting refugees with learning English and finding housing without work permits. Candace suggests attending local election meetings to question candidates on these issues, sharing relevant meeting links. Paul mentioned engaging with a representative from a New Americans program at ABC regarding support for refugees.

Rochester City School District Challenges

The meeting discussed various topics including the Rochester City School District, the impact of Trump's executive orders, and the challenges faced by those in the resettlement and refugee assistance sectors. Amorette, the staffing director for the Rochester City School district, expressed her concerns about the situation and her involvement in the Greece Town Board. Chojy, who works with people in similar situations, expressed her disappointment and sadness at the current state of affairs. The group also discussed the need for change in the House and Senate, and the challenges faced by undocumented individuals. Thomas Green, who joined the meeting late, expressed his willingness to contribute to the conversation. The conversation ended with the group deciding to continue the discussion for those who had to leave for another meeting.

Other Notes:

• ICE warrants are administrative, not legal. You do not have to allow ICE in your home or car. If they bring police along, it becomes a legal warrant and must be honored.

• Rochester 100 miles from the border; we are an open market

• Communication moving from What’s App - going to Signal. Don’t want communication to be traced.

• Obama quietly deported 400,000 each year. DJT deported a third of what Obama deported.

Suggestion: Contact IBERO

City Police will not cooperate with ICE. Town by town.

Ask RCSD what their policy will be. International Academy would be a logical “target.” ULR meeting with RCSD on Monday. Mayor says we don’t cooperate with ICE and Border Control. Will send an update to John Boutet after the Monday meeting.

Sr VP Equity & Advocacy - Cicil rights org. ULR met with Morelle - every Friday at 2pm to process election results. How can we be proactive. 10 areas Immigration, Education, Policing, Health Care, Hum Serv, LGBTQ+, Climate, Native Rights, etc.

Digging into Project 2025

Looking back at 2016 to get an idea of 2025.

Need to get in front of elected leaders to find out where they stand. Thus, Morelle. No answers to questions; wait and see. How he plans to support and advocate. Follow-up in March where he’ll know a little bit more.

Next set of meetings with Mayor Evans & Baxter.

Relationship building meeting; not just data collection.

His thoughts - continue to build coalitions to understand the issues; what should we be focusing on. 750,000 in his district tho not all interests the same. Honest and open.

What do we know about how mobile refugees can be; can they live with someone; not keep whereabouts public. Make our own Underground RR. Who’s in it, how will it be publicized

We, as US Citizens, need to know our own rights; difference between orders given to ICE

and constitutional rights. Looking at putting together a flyer/fact sheet on our rights. Making sure Red Card is provided.

IBERO American Action League is organizing a meeting with the New York immigration coalition next Friday. looking for the time.

Nothing is performative at this stage; trying to work through this. Filing lawsuits against birthright citizenship, etc. (Birthright Citizenship in the 14th amendment was intended to protect black slaves who came here unwilling…)

Want to work in partnership and not work in silos.

Do not know what is happening on the city level. Meeting on Monday includes RCSD and City. We are leveraging - election year for certain positions going through (Sheriff) ; find out from new officers Mo Co district website; SW is 27th District. Attend those meetings. May not be able to ask questions at the meeting (in person) but you can talk with members - going through the committee process now.

Paul Minor from ABC, New Americans Program

Traditional sanctuary places (places of worship and schools) will not be honored. Sanctuary Cities will be targeted. NY Times sent out their protocols. Can not let ICE in and refer to attorney. A coordinated

What they’re allowed to do

Legal Warrant (signed by a judge, legal under the constitution) vs Administrative Warrant

Know the legalities of what ICE can do.

Rochester 100 miles from the border; we are open market

Teachers, families, parents.

Birthright citizenship question - number of our citizens need to have clarity.

Are ICE unable to knock down home doors. Administrative - can’t go in house, car UNLESS they bring a police officer.

Immigration Coalition of NYS to come here and explain rights; the “red card” tells you your rights. We need to see what happens when a family is separated (8 years ago, Rapid Response was); effort among a number of groups to collect home supplies and provide transportation. Connect with faith communities to provide services and resources.

What’s App - going to Signal. Don’t want communication to be traced.

Suggestion: Contact IBERO

City Police will not cooperate with ICE. Town by town.

Ask RCSD what their policy will be. International Academy would be a logical “target.” ULR meeting with RCSD on Monday. Mayor says we don’t cooperate with ICE and Border Control. Will send an update to John Boutet after the Monday meeting.

Sr VP Equity & Advocacy - Cicil rights org. ULR met with Morelle - every Friday at 2pm to process election results. How can we be proactive. 10 areas Immigration, Education, Policing, Health Care, Hum Serv, LGBTQ+, Climate, Native Rights, etc.

Digging into Project 2025

Looking back at 2016 to get an idea of 2025.

Need to get in front of elected leaders to find out where they stand. Thus, Morelle. No answers to questions; wait and see. How he plans to support and advocate. Follow-up in March where he’ll know a little bit more.

Next set of meetings with Mayor Evans & Baxter.

Relationship building meeting; not just data collection.

His thoughts - continue to build coalitions to understand the issues; what should we be focusing on. 750,000 in his district tho not all interests the same. Honest and open.

What do we know about how mobile refugees can be; can they live with someone; not keep whereabouts public. Make our own Underground RR. Who’s in it, how will it be publicized

We, as US Citizens, need to know our own rights; difference between orders given to ICE and constitutional rights. Looking at putting together a flyer/fact sheet on our rights. Making sure Red Card is provided.

IBERO American Action League is organizing a meeting with the New York immigration coalition next Friday. looking for the time.

Obama quietly deported 400,000 each year. DJT deported a third of what Obama deported. Nothing is performative at this stage; trying to work through this. Filing lawsuits against birthright citizenship, etc. (Birthright Citizenship in the 14th amendment was intended to protect black slaves who came here unwilling…)

Want to work in partnership and not work in silos.

Do not know what is happening on the city level. Meeting on Monday includes RCSD and City. We are leveraging - election year for certain positions going through (Sheriff) ; find out from new officers Mo Co district website; SW is 27th District. Attend those meetings. May not be able to ask questions at the meeting (in person) but you can talk with members - going through the committee process now.

Paul Minor from ABC, New Americans Program

Traditional sanctuary places (places of worship and schools) will not be honored. Sanctuary Cities will be targeted. NY Times sent out their protocols. Can not let ICE in and refer to attorney. A coordinated

What they’re allowed to do

Legal Warrant (signed by a judge, legal under the constitution) vs Administrative Warrant

Know the legalities of what ICE can do.

Rochester 100 miles from the border; we are open market

Teachers, families, parents.

Birthright citizenship question - number of our citizens need to have clarity.

Are ICE unable to knock down home doors. Administrative - can’t go in house, car UNLESS they bring a police officer.

Immigration Coalition of NYS to come here and explain rights; the “red card” tells you your rights. We need to see what happens when a family is separated (8 years ago, Rapid Response was); effort among a number of groups to collect home supplies and provide transportation. Connect with faith communities to provide services and resources.

What’s App - going to Signal. Don’t want communication to be traced.

City Police will not cooperate with ICE. Town by town.

Ask RCSD what their policy will be. International Academy would be a logical “target.” ULR meeting with RCSD on Monday. Mayor says we don’t cooperate with ICE and Border Control. Will send an update to John Boutet after the Monday meeting.

Sr VP Equity & Advocacy - Cicil rights org. ULR met with Morelle - every Friday at 2pm to process election results. How can we be proactive. 10 areas Immigration, Education, Policing, Health Care, Hum Serv, LGBTQ+, Climate, Native Rights, etc.

Digging into Project 2025

Looking back at 2016 to get an idea of 2025.

Need to get in front of elected leaders to find out where they stand. Thus, Morelle. No answers to questions; wait and see. How he plans to support and advocate. Follow-up in March where he’ll know a little bit more.

Next set of meetings with Mayor Evans & Baxter.

Relationship building meeting; not just data collection.

His thoughts - continue to build coalitions to understand the issues; what should we be focusing on. 750,000 in his district tho not all interests the same. Honest and open.

What do we know about how mobile refugees can be; can they live with someone; not keep whereabouts public. Make our own Underground RR. Who’s in it, how will it be publicized

We, as US Citizens, need to know our own rights; difference between orders given to ICE and constitutional rights. Looking at putting together a flyer/fact sheet on our rights. Making sure Red Card is provided.

IBERO American Action League is organizing a meeting with the New York immigration coalition next Friday. looking for the time.

Obama quietly deported 400,000 each year. DJT deported a third of what Obama deported. Nothing is performative at this stage; trying to work through this. Filing lawsuits against birthright citizenship, etc. (Birthright Citizenship in the 14th amendment was intended to protect black slaves who came here unwilling…)

Want to work in partnership and not work in silos.

Do not know what is happening on the city level. Meeting on Monday includes RCSD and City. We are leveraging - election year for certain positions going through (Sheriff) ; find out from new officers Mo Co district website; SW is 27th District. Attend those meetings. May not be able to ask questions at the meeting (in person) but you can talk with members - going through the committee process now.

Paul Minor from ABC, New Americans Program