📅 SEPTEMBER 2 — DAY OF ACTION TO PROTECT IMMIGRANT FAMILIES
When: Tuesday, Sept 2 — 7:30 a.m.
Where: ICE Office, 3351 Square D Dr. SW, Cedar Rapids
What: Accompany families, keep public oversight in plain view, and show our strength
On August 26, Homeland Security officials met with Escucha Mi Voz members and Catholic Workers and laid out a new plan to try and limit the effectiveness of our protective accompaniments.
On Sept 2, ICE will erect a checkpoint and roadblock outside their Cedar Rapids office with barricades, squad cars, and officers from multiple agencies, essentially shutting down Square D Dr. to vehicle traffic.
Why this is wrong
In a democracy, the public square belongs to the people. Checkpoints that wall off government activity hide deportations, isolate families, and shut out community witnesses. They trample on due process and on the public’s right to see what is done in our name.
What we’re doing about it
Homeland Security conceded they cannot prohibit parking or prevent us from gathering outside. So we will do what our traditions teach us to do, and what we have always done:
We walk together. No one goes in alone.
We bear witness. Our voices, cameras, and stories stay in the light.
We speak truth to power. The people’s oversight is not optional.
On August 5, more than 300 neighbors and two dozen elected officials stood with us. We accompanied five families and documented three detentions. That’s what organized people can do, what ICE is trying to stop, and why it's more urgent than ever that we do it again.
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