The Turbulent Presidential Election Calls for Increased Advocacy and Mobilization Among Our Immigrant Community
We all know this isn’t over until every ballot is counted. The following days will be filled with uncertainty, but we are sure of one thing: no matter the outcome, we must continue the fight to end immigration detention.
In the midst of a pandemic that has claimed the lives of more than 233,ooo people in the United States, and has disproportionately impacted Black and Latinx communities, a record number of people have shown up to make their voices heard. The latest turnout figures suggest that 2020 will break old century records. We celebrate the fact that so many people are exercising their right to vote, but also know that change comes from beyond the polls. We must keep mobilizing our communities to create the systematic change that needs to take place in order to create a just system for all.
In the best case scenario, we know that a new administration will not be enough. Only through advocacy and mobilization have we been able to demand and create change. In this year alone, the collective efforts of CCIJ and partner organizations led to the liberation of two-thirds of the population at the Mesa Verde Detention Facility in Bakersfield, California and the Yuba County Jail in Marysville, California. Our collective advocacy also led to the passage of AB 3228, which will hold private corporations accountable for their violations of detention standards.
Our victories would be impossible to achieve without partner organizations, funders and community members like you. No matter the outcome, we hope you will continue to join us in the fight for the liberation of immigrants and abolition of private detention.