Thread by @ScottHech

In 2018, @BklynDefender/@ACLU launched “We Have Rights.” Film series to empower immigrants to defend against ICE enforcement. Just nominated for a WEBBY Award! Please support power of knowledge to combat hate by voting for us here: bit.ly/WHRWebby.

We teamed up with our clients to write the scripts, all based on true stories, and design the characters. The result: 4 films in 7 languages (wehaverights.us). The first on common ICE tricks & safe, lawful responses “If ICE is outside your door.”👇

30% - Increase in ICE arrests.
334% - Increase in ICE arrests of those w/ no criminal record.
1200% - Increase in ICE raids in NYC courts.
~44,000 - Daily avg. in immigration detention nationwide.

Here’s our film on what an ICE arrest looks like 👇.

Film 3: ICE was problem before Trump. But major difference is in breadth of those targeted. No one feels safe bc no one is safe. Every one is a “priority.” They want to purge the country. They’re willing to do whatever it takes, even *inside your home* 👇.

Other major difference pre & post-Trump is ICE’s brazenness: Hospitals, churches, work, court, regular immigration check-ins, school, marriage applications. We also created a film on what to do if ICE approaches you in your community, at work, in court 👇.

We’re proud of the reach: Millions so far online. Hundreds of thousands on radio. Thousands in person ‘know your rights’ sessions. Organizations playing films in reception areas. Presentations in schools & public libraries. Gatherings in living rooms. People are grateful.

Why animation? Among other reasons, we wanted to easily translate into as many languages as possible. Inspired to have this amazing talent donate their time to increase accessibility: @iJesseWilliams @dianeguerrero__ @kumailn @KatyaLeemusic @edwidgedanticat @MissXiren @lsarsour

Our immigrant clients spoke up. “We’re scared. What do we do if ICE comes for us or loved ones?” We responded with the We Have Rights immigrant empowerment campaign. Every time Trump denigrates immigrants, I wish everyone would share these critical films.

**WE NEED YOUR HELP.**

Please support & honor our clients & our work to provide them with critical knowledge.

Please vote for the “We Have Rights” immigrant empowerment campaign to win the WEBBY AWARD for Public Service & Activism.

Vote here: bit.ly/WHRWebby