Dear ROPnet,
Autumn was beginning to freeze into Winter; Trump was newly elected. The urge to retreat inside was palpable, surrounded by the cold weather and political nihilism. But members of Hood River Latino Network (HRLN) resisted the feeling to hide. “We can’t disconnect. We have to stay connected, because one of our biggest sources of power is being together,” Amber Rose of HRLN said.
As part of a larger collective resistance to U.S Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), organizers have been working hard to support their community through legislative action, “Know Your Rights” resources, and mutual aid. Their commitment to immigrant communities has only been amplified in recent months under the rise of deportations across the country. This ROPNet aims to be a hopeful source of information and awareness in a somber time, highlighting only the surface of the work our human dignity organizers are completing.
Rapid Response Team
The Hood River/Wasco Rapid Response Team is a group under Hood River Latino Network assisting families before, during, and after someone has been “picked up” or “disappeared” by ICE in a form of organized resistance. The team first formed in 2017 and has worked with many families over the years.
In one specific incident where the Rapid Response Team was called, a man received a letter from the DMV Fraud Department for an error on an official government document. In response, an Oregon State Trooper showed up at his house several times, a form of intimidation.
The Rapid Response Team used its resources to address the situation, organizing a meeting with the trooper, providing an interpreter, and contacting a criminal defense attorney. In the end, the individual being targeted was able to verify his identity, and the chaos was put to rest.
“I think that if we wouldn’t have been there, he probably would have gotten charged with identity theft,” Amber said. “We had a good ending to the story. We don’t [let anyone] harass our community members.”
In addition to responding to emergencies, wraparound care (fulfilling the role of the community member before they were disappeared) is a major duty of the Rapid Response Team. HRLN strives to fill the gaps that are created when a community member is suddenly absent by taking on tasks like fixing cars, collecting grocery donations, and supporting childcare.
Know Your Rights
Hood River Latino Network also works to provide civic knowledge resources. They composed a “Know Your Rights Song,” which is playing across radio stations throughout the state. It encourages people to do two main things when they encounter ICE: don’t open the door and don’t sign anything before talking to your lawyer. The song also conveys that everybody has the Fifth Amendment right to remain silent, regardless of status or questions asked by legal officials. They emphasize the importance of not sharing information without legal consultation.
The network also provides printed Know Your Rights materials that state that ICE often does not wear uniforms (allowing them to blend in with ordinary individuals), explain the difference between an administrative warrant and a judicial warrant, and help connect people to public legal support. For downloadable tools to share with your community, click here and scroll down to number 5.
Fortunately, the state of Oregon just passed a law ensuring that community organizers are legally allowed to continue doing Know Your Rights work. “We’re going to continue to fight and we’re going to continue to tell people their rights,” Amber said.
If you need assistance with ICE, call the Portland Immigrant Rights Coalition hotline at 1-888-622-1510
School Board Policies
In recent months, Hood River Latino Network has been working with the Hood River County School District and North Wasco County School District to add policy protections for students. Under Oregon’s Sanctuary Promise Act, students are protected statewide. These boards are enacting regional legislation for further protection.
On their own accord, the Hood River County School Board and superintendent drafted a resolution in their district to protect students, which states their refusal to work with ICE. Originally established in 2017, Resolution 24-25/05, Protections for Undocumented Students at School, was recently reformed at a board meeting and passed unanimously, according to Columbia Gorge News. Amber explained that HRLN was impressed with the Hood River County School District for writing and following policies that were aligned with what HRLN would recommend.
North Wasco County School District, on the other hand, has yet to pass a similar resolution. They have told HRLN and the community that they have policies in place to protect undocumented students. “They state they do have policies protecting the undocumented students, but that’s really it; that’s all they have,” Martha Verduzco of HRLN added. She warned about the dangers of having a policy without support behind it. HRLN and other local human dignity leaders are continuing to pressure the district to pass a resolution.
In addition, the White Salmon Valley School District Board unanimously adopted Resolution 24/25-01, “Protections for Undocumented Students at School.” Currently, Hood River Latino Network is working to pass resolutions in Klickitat and South Wasco counties.
Want to pass a resolution like this in your community? Here’s the language they used, and don’t hesitate to reach out to ROP to strategize around your campaign!
Creating Community
Hood River Latino Network hosts a variety of marches, events, and rallies throughout the year, including their summer Día de los Muertos festival, creating spaces of joy on the northeast side of Mount Hood.
They continuously ask themselves how they can improve and bring people together in trying times. Among the foundational pillars for grassroots organizing and resistance in rural areas is finding those who understand and building community.
“We are a nation built by immigrants, and I’m a humanitarian, and that’s what I like to do, is help people wherever I can, that’s where I’m going to be, whether it’s immigration or helping somebody find housing or food. That’s my mission in life,” Martha said.
Warmly,
Charlie Bloomer and the ROP Team
This ROPnet was written by a high school student Charlie Bloomer who volunteers with our communications! Read more about Charlie in their article published in the Oregonian. If you’re interested in volunteering with us please fill out our volunteer form here!
