Courthouse arrests. "Illegal alien" scare tactics. Separations. Deportations for the most minor offenses. Whether documented or undocumented. ICE has undermined local "justice." Public defenders have seen it. Here's what it looks like & how you can fix it: SeparatedandDeported.com
Immigrants are already under attack and demonized in the current political climate, but they are EXCEPTIONALLY VULNERABLE when they are arrested and ensnared in the criminal legal system for any reason.
An arrest for even a low level offense can lead to ICE arrest, indefinite detention, & deportation proceedings for immigrants who are documented or undocumented. Public transportation w/o paying, marijuana possession, a dismissed criminal case can separate you from your family. 
The truth is that immigrants commit crimes at *far lower rates than native-born citizens. Our neighbors, families and friends, who are presumed innocent, with no criminal records, or with decades-old arrests, have become victims of a deportation machine. washingtonpost.com/news/wonk/wp/2…
A Deportation Machine:
30% increase in ICE arrests nationwide.
334% increase in ICE arrests of those with no criminal record.
1200% increase in ICE arrests in NYC courthouses.
~44,000 currently in immigration detention.
30% increase in ICE arrests nationwide.
334% increase in ICE arrests of those with no criminal record.
1200% increase in ICE arrests in NYC courthouses.
~44,000 currently in immigration detention.
Unlike criminal defendants, immigrants facing deportation have NO RIGHT TO A LAWYER, no right to a bail hearing pending their proceedings, and no right to a speedy trial.
America needs comprehensive immigration reform. A smart, compassionate & sustainable approach to answering the millions of global citizens escaping violence, crushing poverty & environmental degradation seeking opportunities in the US. So what to do? SeparatedandDeported.com
1. Give to the Immigration Fees Fund to help eligible immigrants overcome sky high application fees so they can apply for legal status in the United States. bds.com/fees.
2. Sign our petition to call on NY state to pass the "One Day to Protect New Yorkers" legislation. Would reduce the maximum penalty for a misdemeanor from 365 to 364 days & in so doing, prevent deportations under federal immigration law. bit.ly/2Q0Jgvg
3. Empower immigrant communities with information on how to safely defend themselves during encounters with ICE by viewing, sharing, & screening the #WeHaveRights immigrant empowerment series. 4 animated shorts in 7 languages: WeHaveRights.Us.
