ICE in Southern Chester County

PROBLEM: ICE is still regularly taking our neighbors from the greater Kennett / Oxford areas.

Many of us have not seen ICE or been impacted personally. Our families are intact and we are not at risk of the income-earner in our family being taken away by our government at a moment’s notice, with little knowledge of where they have been taken and if we will ever see them again. 

But our neighbors, in the greater Kennett / Oxford areas, are living in fear – only venturing out of their homes to go to work or school – but otherwise staying out of sight.

It is also hard to find information on ICE activity and the resistance efforts, locally. Please read on to find out about some of the important work going on in our area.

.

WHAT ARE PEOPLE DOING LOCALLY TO HELP?

• • Education – a five-part Lenten series attended by over 60 people each week was held at local churches to provide education about immigration actions here in Southern Chester County. Additionally, a monthly rapid response training has been critical for connecting with volunteers. Next training: April 29. Contact KAD for more info.

• • Courtwatch – ICE has been recorded during multiple detentions monthly at the Kennett/Oxford courthouses. Dedicated volunteers can tell you what it is like to see our government treat immigrant neighbors and US citizens as the enemy. As a direct result of the work of volunteers, families of those taken are quickly notified and in several instances same-day filing of Habeas Corpus petitions have resulted in two people being recently released. All the commitment to helping is making a difference to our neighbors.

• • Mutual Aid – supporting families, who have had a loved-one taken, with food, diapers, legal support, transportation to check-ins, etc. Attend Stand with Our Neighbors event on April 12.

HOW CAN YOU HELP?

★ Express Gratitude

Thank the person fixing your roof, cutting your grass, and cleaning your home. Due to our broken immigration system there are not enough work visas available for people without money or professional degrees. There is a good chance the person working for you is undocumented. Thank them for their hard work and dedication. Listen to this WHYY report on the Kennett mushroom industry and how it is impacted by immigration policy. 

★ Get Educated, Volunteer and Raise Awareness

Join next training on April 29 and share what you learn with your friends and neighbors. Contact KAD for more information. Wonder what it is really like in a detention facility? Read daily journal updates of local Downingtown man’s life in a Louisiana former prison (scroll down to “Updates” section). 

★ DONATE

Money is needed to help stabilize families left in distress by our government. Intact, functioning families with a responsible, hard-working wage earner are being torn apart and left vulnerable. Please donate to Kennett Friends Funds for Immigrants (if donating online, make sure tip = $0 to ensure all money goes to help our neighbors).

Thank your for all you do. We need your help and your compassion.