Amidst the ongoing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids, local organizations are creating independent networks to help each other. Any resident can volunteer with these networks or help by donating to them, spreading reliable resources or urging the local government to take actions to help the immigrant community.
In Long Beach, all forms of action are taking place. Organizations like ÓRALE, the Filipino Migrant Center and the United Cambodian Community of Long Beach are all urging the city council to allocate $2.2 million to the Justice Fund. While holding rallies and educating people on the Justice Fund, these organizations have also created their own Rapid Response Networks.
What is a Rapid Response Network?
Rapid Response Networks are made up of residents and local organizations with the goal of protecting and defending the local immigrant community.
Some Rapid Response Networks have been around for decades, like Los Angeles’, led by the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA) and founded in 2006 in response to mass raids in factories and textile centers. Long Beach’s are newer and still growing, meaning they need more support and volunteers.
Currently, these networks are being used to verify reports of ICE sightings in Long Beach, and to educate local immigrants of their constitutional rights in case they are stopped by ICE agents in public or if an ICE agent knocks on their door at home.
Residents who are not part of a Rapid Response Network can still help by saving the phone numbers and calling to report ICE sightings or arrests in the city. Long Beach has two Rapid Response Networks through immigrant rights organizations: ÓRALE and the Filipino Migrant Center.
Long Beach’s Rapid Response Networks
ÓRALE’s Rapid Response Network: 562-245-9575
Volunteers in this network are first responders for local ICE activity. This may mean driving to a location reported by a resident and helping connect people who are detained or their families to crucial resources.
Residents must live in Long Beach and be able to commit to specific timeframes. Volunteers will be required to attend training. ÓRALE asks that volunteers for this network are U.S. citizens, for their own safety. Being bilingual is not required, but it is a plus.
Apply to join this Rapid Response Network at bit.ly/rapid562.
Filipino Migrant Center’s Defend Migrants Network: 562-453-3408
This resource brings people together to share resources and skills that help Long Beach’s migrant community to protect each other and combat anti-immigrant policies. People are invited to offer legal consultations, join their rapid response network or conduct door-to-door Know Your Rights education in their communities.
Residents can also help to create videos, articles and artwork related to their campaign.
For immediate help, or to report ICE activity or sightings in Long Beach call 562-453-3408.
Learn more about joining the Defend Migrants Network here.
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