Despite the administration’s recent Executive Order, thousands of children remain separated from their families. 239+ children, some as young as 9 months old are still stranded in New York. Here is an overview of what you can do:
Local initiatives
- The Brooklyn Borough President is organizing a stroller march. They will meet at D’Emic Playground (corner of 34th Street and 3rd Avenue) on Sunday, June 24th at 5 PM and march to the Metropolitan Detention Center. Bring your strollers. Children are welcome. Learn more by calling (718) 802-3719 or by visiting brooklyn-usa.org.
- On June 29, people around the country are organizing to gather at our members of congress and deliver an open letter stating our opposition to the current federal policy of separating migrant children from their parents. Deliver the message – NY 7 – to Democrat Velazquez on June 29th from 2 to 3 pm at 16 Court Street. Find out more here.
- A march across the Brooklyn Bridge will take place on June 30th at 10 am. New Yorkers will gather in Foley Square to rally with the New York Immigration Coalition and then march across the Brooklyn Bridge to demand that Donald Trump and his administration stop separating kids from their parents! March will be led by children and their families – parents encouraged to attend with children! Rally will take place at Cadman Plaza around 11.45 am.
- Big One Day Collection Drive for refugees and people in immigrant detention on Sunday, June 24th, 9:30 AM- 4:00 PM, at Congregation Beth Elohim (8th Ave and Garfield place in Park Slope)*. Items needed: Bikes, air conditioners, TV sets, computers, two-pocket folders (no metal clips), writing paper (5×8), envelopes (plain white, sz 10), forever stamps, greeting cards and Spanish books (adult).
- Cayuga, the East Harlem-based non-profit charged with caring for these children is in need of additional Spanish-speaking families to serve as foster homes. Call the agency at 718-860-1656.
Nationwide initiatives (recommended by council member Stephen Levin)
- Send Supplies: The Immigrant Legal Resource Center in San Antonio is requesting supplies. The organization New Leaders Council is sending supplies directly to Casa Del Peregrino Piedras Negras (aka Casa del Migrante), a shelter that helps migrants and deportees. Click here to contribute.
- Donate: Organizations like the Immigrant Legal Resource Center, the Texas Civil Rights Project, the Refugee and Immigrant Center for Education and Legal Services (RAICES), and United We Dream provide critical legal and operational support to those affected.
- Contact Your Representatives: Tell them to put an end to the forced detaining of immigrants and separation of families. The NAACP has a how-to guide on the issues and contact information to make your voice heard.
- Stay updated: The New York Immigration Coalition (NYIC) has a regularly updated resource guide on family detention, with ongoing ways to take action.
