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WA Immigrant Solidarity Network – December 27, 2024

Posted on December 27, 2024

[Español Abajo]

This is Israel Gonzalez, WAISN’s Rapid Response Organizer, and I want to thank you for attending our last General Meeting of the year! 

Our monthly General Meeting allows community members from across Washington to share their experiences, discuss strategies for empowering their own local communities, and give us an opportunity to involve directly affected people in our strategic decision-making processes. 

Just in case you missed it or if you had any questions, here is a brief summary of the most important points we discussed and ways you can get involved:

Deportation Defense Hotline

Save, share and use the WAISN Deportation Defense Hotline number—1-844-724-3737—to report immigration activity, detentions, raids; request accompaniment to vulnerable locations or help with the Fair Fight Bond Fund Application; and to get connected other immigration and community resources immigrants need to not just survive but to thrive.


Hotline Highlights

In October, we added 3 new members to the Hotline team. Thanks to our increased capacity, we are now able to answer or return all calls within 1 business day, usually less!

Most immigration raids and activity happen in the early morning, so starting in January, we are expanding our hours to: 6am to 6pm, Monday to Friday.  To report immigration activity or detentions outside these hours, send a text message or leave a voicemail on the Hotline number. We will return the call as soon as possible. We ALWAYS give priority to reports of ICE or CBP activity and detentions: this is why the Hotline was created.


In 2024, we talked to almost 800 community members from 29 out of Washington’s 39 counties. Our goal for 2025 is 1000 community members supported!


Immigrant Health Coverage

Washington is a leader in Immigrant Health Coverage. Since November 2023, everyone living in Washington—regardless of immigration status—can purchase health insurance through Washington Healthplanfinder. During Open Enrollment (November 1 to January 15), anyone can buy or change their insurance.

WAISN will continue to fight to expand Immigrant Health Coverage in 2025. Apply today to find out your options, demonstrate the need for more funds, and be in the loop about health coverage opportunities.


Need help? You can contact the WA Healthplanfinder Customer Support Center at 1-855-923-4633, get connected to a local navigator, or find an enrollment center close to you to get personalized support for you and your loved ones—and you can get in-language support in over 200 languages!

Find a Navigator or Enrollment Center Near You

Rapid Response

In 2024, we:

  • Connected with 28 organizations throughout the state of Washington.
  • Visited more than 10 cities, including: Yakima, Spokane, Royal City, Mattawa, Walla Walla, Grays Harbor, Pacific County, Granger.
  • Trained 703 people to be a part of a rapid response team.
  • Created 8 Rapid Response teams in the counties of: Pacific, King, Chelan, Benton, Snohomish, Kitsap, Yakima, Skagit.

Attend a Know Your Rights with ICE virtual training! 

Do you know what to do if ICE comes to your home? Do you know what to do if ICE comes to your workplace? What does a judicial warrant look like? Can ICE enter your home? Come and learn that and more in this bi-lingual (Spanish and English) training. REGISTER HERE for our training on Wednesday, January 8, from 6pm–8pm.

Attend a virtual Rapid Response training and join a team! 

Rapid Response Teams are groups of trained individuals who are activated to document and provide support to affected families when activity, raids, or detentions by immigration agents are reported in their community. REGISTER HERE to learn more about how to get involved on Saturday, January 25 from 12pm–2pm.

Thank you for continuing to trust and work with WAISN! If you are interested in joining or creating a team in your communitDeportation Defensey, contact israel@waisn.org.

Deportation Defense

Become a recurring donor or host a fundraiser for the Fair Fight Bond Fund. The Fair Fight Bond Fund is a community-funded lifeline for people trapped in immigration detention, allowing them to fight their cases from a place of freedom, not behind bars.

DONATE TO THE FAIR FIGHT BOND FUND

Register for our two-part virtual Accompaniment volunteer training. Volunteers walk side by side with immigrant community members at court hearings, immigration appointments, and other locations where community members are vulnerable to harmful immigration enforcement activities. 

  • Accompaniment Volunteer Two-Part Training Series
    • February 12, 2025, 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
    • February 19, 2025, 6:00 pm to 8:00pm
REGISTER NOW

WAISN Community Resources & Membership

Explore joining WAISN as an Organizational Member. Become part of the immigrant-led immigrant justice movement in Washington State working to dismantle oppressive systems and ensure a life of abundance for all immigrants. Learn more here or by sending an email to Adriana@waisn.org.

Our general meeting is the third Thursday of every month, please join us next year on January 16, 2025 for the next one!

Zoom Information:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85189717565

Thank you for taking the time with us to reflect and remember how strong we are. Let’s stay united as a community and take care of each other.

In solidarity,

Israel Gonzalez

Pronouns: He/Him

Rapid Response Organizer

P.S. If you’d like to report immigration activity, raids and detentions in Washington, please call the WAISN Deportation Defense Hotline at 1-844-724-3737. Our operators speak Spanish and English, and we have interpretation available in nearly 300 languages


[English Above]

Le habla Israel González, Organizador de Respuesta Rápida de WAISN, y quiero agradecerle su asistencia a nuestra última Reunión General del año.

Nuestra Reunión General mensual ofrece el espacio para miembros de las comunidades inmigrantes de todo Washington en el cual, participantes pueden compartir experiencias, discutir estrategias para fortalecer las defensas contra la deportación y dar la oportunidad de involucrar a personas directamente impactadas en nuestro proceso de toma de decisiones estratégicas.

Por si no pudo asistir o si asistió y tiene alguna pregunta, aquí tiene un resumen de los puntos más importantes que se discutieron y las formas en las que puede participar:

Línea de Defensa contra la Deportación

Guarde, comparta y utilice el número de la Línea de Defensa contra la Deportación de WAISN – 1-844-724-3737 – para reportar actividades de inmigración, detenciones, redadas; solicitar acompañamiento a lugares que sean vulnerables o para obtener ayuda con la solicitud del Fondo de Fianza Lucha Justa; y para conectarse con otros recursos comunitarios que los inmigrantes necesitan no sólo para sobrevivir, sino para prosperar.

Lo más destacado de la Línea de Apoyo

En octubre se sumaron 3 personas al equipo de la Línea de Apoyo. Gracias al aumento de nuestra capacidad, ahora podemos responder o devolver todas las llamadas en un día laborable ¡o incluso en menos tiempo!

La mayoría de las redadas y actividades de inmigración ocurren temprano en la mañana, por lo que a partir de enero, vamos a expandir nuestro horario de 6am a 6pm, de lunes a viernes.  

Para reportar actividad de inmigración o detenciones fuera de este horario, envíe un mensaje de texto o deje un mensaje de voz al número de la Línea de Apoyo. Le devolveremos la llamada lo antes posible. SIEMPRE le damos prioridad a las notificaciones de actividades y detenciones de inmigración: para eso se creó la Línea de Apoyo.

En 2024, hablamos con casi 800 miembros de la comunidad de 29 condados de Washington. Nuestra meta para el 2025 es ¡1000 miembros de la comunidad apoyados!

Cobertura de salud para inmigrantes

El estado de Washington es líder en la cobertura de salud para inmigrantes. Desde noviembre de 2023, todas las personas que viven en Washington -independientemente de su estatus migratorio- pueden comprar un seguro médico a través de Washington Healthplanfinder. Durante la Inscripción Abierta (del 1 de noviembre al 15 de enero), cualquier persona puede comprar o cambiar su seguro.

WAISN seguirá luchando para expandir la Cobertura de Salud para Inmigrantes en 2025. Inscríbase hoy mismo para conocer sus opciones, para demostrar la necesidad de más fondos y para estar al tanto de las oportunidades de cobertura médica.


¿Necesita ayuda? Puede ponerse en contacto con el Centro de Atención al Cliente de WA Healthplanfinder llamando al 1-855-923-4633, ponerse en contacto con un orientador o buscar un centro de inscripción cercano para obtener ayuda personalizada para usted y sus seres queridos, ¡y puede obtener ayuda en más de 200 idiomas!

Encuentre un navegador o un centro de inscripción cerca de usted

Respuesta Rápida

En el 2024, nosotros:

  • Conectamos con 28 organizaciones de todo el estado de Washington.
  • Visitamos más de 10 ciudades, entre ellas: Yakima, Spokane, Royal City, Mattawa, Walla Walla, Grays Harbor, Pacific County y Granger.
  • Entrenamos a 703 personas para formar parte de un equipo de respuesta rápida.
  • Creamos 8 equipos de respuesta rápida en los condados de: Pacific, King, Chelan, Benton, Snohomish, Kitsap, Yakima y Skagit. 

¡Asista a un entrenamiento virtual sobre sus derechos si se encuentra con ICE!

¿Sabe qué hacer si ICE viene a su casa? ¿Sabe qué hacer si ICE viene a su trabajo? ¿Cómo se ve una orden judicial? ¿ Puede entrar ICE a su casa? Venga y aprenda eso y más en este entrenamiento bilingüe en español e inglés. INSCRÍBASE AQUÍ para participar en la próxima sesión el miércoles 8 de enero, de 6pm – 8pm.

¡Asista a un entrenamiento virtual de Respuesta Rápida! 

Los Equipos de Respuesta Rápida son grupos de personas capacitadas que se activan para documentar y brindar apoyo a las familias afectadas cuando se reportan actividades, redadas o detenciones por parte de agentes de inmigración en la comunidad. REGISTRESE AQUÍ para aprender más sobre cómo involucrarse el sábado 25 de enero de 12pm-2pm.


¡Gracias por seguir confiando y trabajando con WAISN! Si está interesado en unirse o crear un equipo en su comunidad, póngase en contacto con israel@waisn.org.

Defensa contra la Deportación

Hágase donante recurrente o organice una recaudación de fondos para el Fondo de Fianza Lucha Justa. El Fondo de Fianza Lucha Justa es un fondo comunitario para las personas detenidas por motivos de inmigración, que les permite luchar por sus casos desde la libertad y no desde la cárcel.

Done al Fondo de Fianza Lucha Justa para Inmigrantes

Regístrese en nuestro entrenamiento virtual de dos partes para voluntarios de Acompañamiento. Los voluntarios acompañan a miembros de la comunidad inmigrante a audiencias en tribunales, citas de inmigración y otros lugares donde los miembros de la comunidad son vulnerables a actividades de inmigración que pueden ser perjudiciales.

  • Serie de entrenamientos de dos partes para voluntarios de acompañamiento:
    • 12 de febrero de 2025, de 6:00 pm a 8:00 pm
    • 12 de febrero de 2025, de 6:00 pm a 8:00 pm
REGISTRESE AQUÍ

Recursos comunitarios y membresía de WAISN

Considere unirse a WAISN como Miembro Organizacional. Forme parte del movimiento por la justicia de los inmigrantes en el Estado de Washington que trabaja para acabar con los sistemas opresivos y garantizar una vida de abundancia para todos los inmigrantes. Obtenga más información aquí o enviando un correo electrónico a Adriana@waisn.org. 

¡Nuestra reunión general se lleva a cabo el tercer jueves de cada mes, únase a nosotros el 16 de enero de 2025 para la próxima!

Información de Zoom:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85189717565

Gracias por el tiempo dedicado a reflexionar y recordar lo fuerte que somos cuando estamos unidos. Sigamos unidos como comunidad y cuidemonos unos a los otros.

En solidaridad, 

Israel Gonzales

Pronombre: El

Organizador de Respuesta Rápida

P.D. Si desea reportar actividad de inmigración, redadas y detenciones en Washington, por favor llame a la Línea de Defensa contra la Deportación de WAISN al 1-844-724-3737. Tenemos operadores disponibles de lunes a viernes de 8am a 6pm para atender su llamada. Nuestros operadores hablan español e inglés, y tenemos interpretación disponible en casi 300 idiomas.

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Benton County WA Democrats

6 days ago

Benton County WA Democrats
Your voice matters. The decisions shaping our neighborhoods, schools, housing, transit, and quality of life are made right here.VOTE NOW!You have ONE WEEK left to fill out your ballot! Election Day is on November 4th. ... See MoreSee Less

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Benton County WA Democrats

1 week ago

Benton County WA Democrats
There has been a lot of conversation and questions regarding the City of Richland Charter Amendment Measure No. 1 (aka Richland Districting). Background:Since Richland was incorporated, 67 years ago, its population has more than doubled (from 24,000 to over 60,000) and its land area has significantly expanded (from 8 square miles to 35 square miles). In a nutshell:The current at-large system, which was adopted in 1958, means that everyone in Richland votes for all 7 City Council positions. Many citizens of Richland have felt under represented and argue that the city has outgrown its current at-large system. ✅ Voting YES on Measure No. 1 supports changing the City Council election structure so that five of the seven council members are elected by geographic district. This is intended to improve accountability and achieve more even representation across the city.❌ Voting No on Measure No. 1 supports keeping the City Council election structure the way that it is.Richland voters, the choice is yours. Do you feel fairly represented by the current system? Or would you rather have council members serve both their district and the city? -------------- Need more details? Here are some common questions:❓ Question: How were the districts created?Answer: The districts were created by following Washington State law using 2020 census population data and GIS precinct data layers. The district boundaries are contiguous, and are equal in population. Council members serve both their district and the city as a whole, preserving teamwork while preventing lockstep conformity. - A Better Richland (ABR) used the state law (RCW 29A.76.010) and guidance from the Municipal Research and Services Center to draw the districts.- The state law requires 1) each district be as close as possible in population, 2) that the districts be composed of whole precincts, and 3) the precincts in a district be contiguous.- Each proposed district has almost exactly 12,000 residents per 2020 census data. The population of each Richland precinct (a geographical area defined by the state for electoral purposes) varies from 361 to 2,219 people. The whole, contiguous precincts for each district are listed in the proposed charter amendment.❓ Question: What is going on with the Proposed District 2?This proposed district takes that particular shape due to the population density in that area and the guidelines listed above (continuous districts with approximately 12,000 residents).❓ Question: Is this politically motivated? Is this gerrymandering?Answer: The proposal is a non-partisan effort supported by Richland voters across the political spectrum. Claims that districts are politically motivated or gerrymandered are completely unfounded. Check out the proposed district boundaries at abetterrichland.com and decide for yourself: experience.arcgis.com/experience/40eb8af4aef640b5a5cba2ef523b1bc2/page/Page?org=s-d-gSources:app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=29A.76.010mrsc.org/explore-topics/elections/basics/district-based-elections?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZB...www.abetterrichland.com/charter-amendment-1 www.sos.wa.gov/elections/data-research/reports-data-and-statistics/precinct-shapefiles?fbclid=IwZ... ... See MoreSee Less

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Benton County WA Democrats

1 week ago

Benton County WA Democrats
Still not sure who or what to vote for?Here are two great nonpartisan resources:✅ TriCitiesVote.com is a nonpartisan, community-driven website that provides key information—including candidates' views, donors, and endorsements—to help you make informed decisions.✅ Indivisible Tri-Cities Voter Tool (linktr.ee/IndivisibleTriCitiesVoterTools) is a one-stop guide for local voters. From Essential Voting Links to Get To Know Your Candidates, everything you need is in one convenient place!And don’t forget to VOTE! ... See MoreSee Less

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Benton County WA Democrats

2 weeks ago

Benton County WA Democrats
Your presence at Saturday’s No Kings protest was powerful. Now, we need you to help turn that energy into action! The Benton County Democrats' General Meeting is where you can meet fellow advocates, learn more about nonviolent resistance strategies, and help mobilize our voters for change.🗓️ Thursday, October 23rd🕡6:30 - 8:30pm📍Round Table Pizza - Kennewick location(3300 W Clearwater Ave, Kennewick) ... See MoreSee Less

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Benton County WA Democrats

2 weeks ago

Benton County WA Democrats
Let’s talk about School Boards. ❗Kennewick, Prosser, and Richland pay attention ❗School boards make important decisions about public schools. They hold significant power over children's rights, setting policies that determine curricula, extracurricular programs, student discipline, and how district funds are spent. Kennewick, Prosser, and Richland have some big decisions to make in this election. We’ve outlined some quick points on each candidate to help with your research but remember to read your Voters’ Pamphlet and to research each candidate (some of them have campaign websites that make their goals loud and clear). And don’t forget to VOTE! Even if you don’t have children your vote could help your neighbors, family members, or the kids who sell lemonade down the street every summer. Remember, the policies and decisions made by school boards can have long-lasting effects on your community and its future generations. ... See MoreSee Less

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Party Calendar

November 2025

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
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  • TCD Democrats Protest Tuesday

    TCD Democrats Protest Tuesday

    November 4, 2025  3:45 PM - 5:45 PM
    John Dam Plaza, 815 George Washington Way, Richland, WA 99352, USA

    "Protest Tuesday" at John Dam Plaza on GWay in Richland from 3:45pm to 5:45PM. Bring your own sign or flag or one will be provided. Join our stalwarts and protest whatever is bothering you most that day.
    https://www.facebook.com/events/999996418325987/999996484992647/

    See more details

  • Richland City Council

    Richland City Council

    November 4, 2025  7:30 PM - 8:30 PM
    Richland City Hall, 505 Swift Blvd, Richland, WA 99352, USA

    See more details

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  • Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs

    Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs

    November 6, 2025  12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
    https://zoom.us/j/94107976607?pwd=qZeb9jUuH9e3DwVvukrhqxuwrNTWvv.1

    Join in and ask questions, get updates or just say hi! Zoom link below, let me know if you need the mobile version. These are held every Thursday at 12pm and occasional weekends.

    See more details

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  • Benton County Executive Board

    Benton County Executive Board

    November 10, 2025  6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
    Meeting details will be provided over email from the Benton County Democrats Chair.

    See more details

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  • TCD Democrats Protest Tuesday

    TCD Democrats Protest Tuesday

    November 11, 2025  3:45 PM - 5:45 PM
    John Dam Plaza, 815 George Washington Way, Richland, WA 99352, USA

    "Protest Tuesday" at John Dam Plaza on GWay in Richland from 3:45pm to 5:45PM. Bring your own sign or flag or one will be provided. Join our stalwarts and protest whatever is bothering you most that day.
    https://www.facebook.com/events/999996418325987/999996484992647/

    See more details

  • Kennewick City Council Workshop

    Kennewick City Council Workshop

    November 11, 2025  6:30 PM - 8:00 PM

    See more details

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  • Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs

    Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs

    November 13, 2025  12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
    https://zoom.us/j/94107976607?pwd=qZeb9jUuH9e3DwVvukrhqxuwrNTWvv.1

    Join in and ask questions, get updates or just say hi! Zoom link below, let me know if you need the mobile version. These are held every Thursday at 12pm and occasional weekends.

    See more details

•
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  • TCD Democrats Protest Tuesday

    TCD Democrats Protest Tuesday

    November 18, 2025  3:45 PM - 5:45 PM
    John Dam Plaza, 815 George Washington Way, Richland, WA 99352, USA

    "Protest Tuesday" at John Dam Plaza on GWay in Richland from 3:45pm to 5:45PM. Bring your own sign or flag or one will be provided. Join our stalwarts and protest whatever is bothering you most that day.
    https://www.facebook.com/events/999996418325987/999996484992647/

    See more details

  • Richland City Council

    Richland City Council

    November 18, 2025  7:30 PM - 8:30 PM
    Richland City Hall, 505 Swift Blvd, Richland, WA 99352, USA

    See more details

• •
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  • Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs

    Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs

    November 20, 2025  12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
    https://zoom.us/j/94107976607?pwd=qZeb9jUuH9e3DwVvukrhqxuwrNTWvv.1

    Join in and ask questions, get updates or just say hi! Zoom link below, let me know if you need the mobile version. These are held every Thursday at 12pm and occasional weekends.

    See more details

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  • TCD Democrats Protest Tuesday

    TCD Democrats Protest Tuesday

    November 25, 2025  3:45 PM - 5:45 PM
    John Dam Plaza, 815 George Washington Way, Richland, WA 99352, USA

    "Protest Tuesday" at John Dam Plaza on GWay in Richland from 3:45pm to 5:45PM. Bring your own sign or flag or one will be provided. Join our stalwarts and protest whatever is bothering you most that day.
    https://www.facebook.com/events/999996418325987/999996484992647/

    See more details

  • Richland City Council Workshop

    Richland City Council Workshop

    November 25, 2025  6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
    Richland City Hall, 505 Swift Blvd, Richland, WA 99352, USA

    See more details

• •
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  • Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs

    Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs

    November 27, 2025  12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
    https://zoom.us/j/94107976607?pwd=qZeb9jUuH9e3DwVvukrhqxuwrNTWvv.1

    Join in and ask questions, get updates or just say hi! Zoom link below, let me know if you need the mobile version. These are held every Thursday at 12pm and occasional weekends.

    See more details

  • BCDCC General Public Meeting

    BCDCC General Public Meeting

    November 27, 2025  6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
    Meeting details will be provided over email from the Benton County Democrats Chair.

    See more details

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