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As the numbers of asylum seekers crossing into the United States from Mexico rises, their treatment by the immigration authorities worsens.
After escaping harrowing conditions in their homeland, and surviving a grueling journey to the United States (during which many of them are subject to violence, disease, and hunger) - Central American migrants are being held under harsh conditions by the U.S. Border Patrol and in some cases are separated from their family members.
Even upon release, many migrants continue to experience abuse by the authorities, as they are being dropped off at random locations with no means to survive, left to navigate the arbitrary and convoluted immigration system on their own, and are being repeatedly taunted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) who conduct frequent raids and arrests on migrant communities.
The Inland Coalition for Immigrant Justice is a California-based nonprofit organization which organizes support services for the over 1 million migrants living in the Inland Empire.
The Coalition is comprised of 35 different organizations in the IE area which engage in policy advocacy, community organizing and education, and rapid response to ICE and border patrol operations.
They collaborate closely with each of their partners, many of whom are grassroots community organizations, and refer migrants to them depending on their respective needs (be it legal services or humanitarian aid).
As part of the Coalition’s Emergency Response Network, the organization maintains a 24/7 hotline (909-361-4588) which people may call if they are arrested at home, at work, or in the street by ICE officials, or if they see immigration officers in their neighborhood. The hotline operator then dispatches a volunteer to the scene in order to confirm and document the arrest, as well as any human rights violations that took place.
The Coalition is currently collecting urgent monetary, food, toiletry, and clothing donations for the hundreds of migrants stranded by Border Patrol at a San Bernardino, CA bus station. If you’re in the U.S. You may pledge a monetary donation here. For non-monetary donations please contact the San Bernardino Community Service Center at 788 N. Arrowhead Ave. San Bernardino, CA 92401 (909-885-1992)
You may also visit the Coalition’s website to learn about upcoming events and volunteer opportunities.
Image credit: Vox.com
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