Friends and neighbors in Bethlehem, New York, working for progressive causes.
New York and the Capital Region
will work to protect our residents from illegal actions
by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
Capital Region Sanctuary Coalition
Beginning in May 2023, New York City resettled approximately 1,000 asylum seekers in Albany and Schenectady County hotels. Immediately, local community-based organizations began organizing to ensure that these immigrants would receive welcome and support from the surrounding communities. After a number of months, these immigrant support organizations created the Capital Region Sanctuary Coalition in order to facilitate communication and coordination in their work.
Are you interested in working with the Coalition? For more information about the rapid response team and other roles with the Coalition, contact Carmen Rau. Carmen.rau@gmail.com or call/text 518-810-9403
Read this one-page document by the Capital Region Sanctuary Coalition.
Learn about organizations in the Capital Region that support refugees and immigrants
https://capitalregionrefugees.weebly.com/local-organizations.html
‘Even God cannot hear us here’: What I witnessed inside an ICE women’s prison
by Rümeysa Öztürk
Tufts graduate student Rümeysa Öztürk opens up for the first time about her shocking arrest and 45 days in a South Louisiana processing facility. She recalls the generous and compassionate women who helped her through this ordeal.
New York Legislation
Mandating End of Lawless Tactics (MELT) Act
Summary: Prohibits local, state and federal law enforcement officers from wearing any mask or personal disguise while interacting with the public in the performance of their duties; excludes certain protective masks.
Press Release: Senator Fahy Introduces MELT Act to Prohibit Masking by ICE Agents | NYSenate.gov
New York for All Act
S2235 (Gounardes) / A3506 (Reyes)
Summary: Prohibits and regulates the discovery and disclosure of immigration status; prohibits police officers, peace officers, school resource officers, probation agencies, state entities, state employees, and municipal corporations from questioning individuals regarding their citizenship or immigration status; regulates the disclosure of information relating to immigration status.
NY Dignity Without Detention Act
S316 (Salazar) / A4181 (Reyes)
Summary: Prohibits governmental entities from entering into agreements to house individuals in immigration detention facilities; requires governmental entities to terminate existing contracts for the detention of individuals in immigration detention facilities.
State Airport Facilities Enforcing Accountability in Immigration Removals (SAFE AIR) Act
S7960 (Fahy) / A8188 (Solages)
Summary: Prohibits public entities from contracting with airlines that transport individuals who have been detained by U.S. immigration and customs enforcement without being afforded due process rights; prohibits certain sales and use tax exemptions on fuel sold to an airline that transports individuals who have been detained by U.S. immigration and customs enforcement without being afforded due process rights.