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Northwest Immigrant Rights Project – November 13, 2025

Posted on November 13, 2025

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Despite the current administration’s repeated mistreatment of our immigrant community members, we are committed to challenging their unlawful policies and practices in court. And your support is what makes this possible.

One of the many ways NWIRP is stepping up to combat the dramatic expansion of the government’s detention and deportation machine is by filing habeas petitions in federal courts. Habeas petitions are used primarily to request release from unlawful detention. Since the start of the Trump administration NWIRP has filed habeas petitions on behalf of 39 persons unlawfully detained at the detention center in Tacoma. 

One of those community members, Rigoberto Hernandez Hernandez, was released earlier this year after his unlawful arrest in August. Rigoberto is a firefighter who lives in Oregon, and was arrested by U.S. Customs and Border Patrol at his work site–while on the front lines battling the Bear Gulch fire. When ordered to respond to the habeas complaint filed by NWIRP and Innovation Law Lab, the government agreed to release Rigoberto and dismiss the removal proceedings against him.

In addition, NWIRP has led the way nationally in challenging a new detention policy, by filing two class actions: the first, focused on Tacoma detention center, where the District Court ruled in favor of NWIRP’s clients last month; and the second, a nationwide class that has arguments scheduled tomorrow, November 14, in Riverside, California. In addition, NWIRP has supported dozens of attorneys around the country in filing habeas petitions–by providing habeas templates and mentoring attorneys on their cases. The results have been dramatic both locally and across the country, where more than a hundred court decisions have sided with NWIRP’s arguments challenging the government’s new detention policy as unlawful.

We cannot do this work without you. As we prepare for whatever comes next, please consider making a gift to support our ongoing efforts to protect community members from unlawful detention and deportation. 

Make a Gift to NWIRP

Thank you. We are so glad you are part of our community.

In Solidarity,

Malou Chávez (she/her/ella)

Executive Director

P.S. Over the summer, Congress approved massive increases to immigration filing fees, making access to safety even more difficult for the communities that we serve. If you would like your donation directed to the payment and processing of filing fees, please indicate this in the dropdown menu on our giving page.

A pesar del trato reiterado injusto de la administración actual hacia los miembros de nuestra comunidad de inmigrantes, estamos comprometidos a impugnar sus políticas y prácticas ilegales ante los tribunales. Y tu apoyo es lo que lo hace esto posible.

Una de las muchas formas en que NWIRP está luchando contra la dramática expansión de la maquinaria de detención y deportación del gobierno, es presentando peticiones de hábeas corpus en los tribunales federales. Las peticiones de hábeas corpus se utilizan principalmente para solicitar la liberación de detenciones ilegales. Desde el inicio de la administración de Trump, NWIRP ha presentado peticiones de hábeas corpus en nombre de 39 personas detenidas ilegalmente en el centro de detención de Tacoma.

Uno de esos miembros de la comunidad, Rigoberto Hernández Hernández, fue liberado a principios de este año tras su detención ilegal en agosto. Rigoberto es un bombero que vive en Oregón y fue detenido por Aduanas y Protección Fronteriza de los  Estados Unidos en su lugar de trabajo, mientras luchaba en primera línea contra el incendio de Bear Gulch. Cuando se le ordenó responder a la demanda de hábeas corpus presentada por NWIRP e Innovation Law Lab, el gobierno accedió a liberar a Rigoberto y a desestimar el proceso de expulsión en su contra.

Adicionalmente, NWIRP ha liderado a nivel nacional la impugnación de una nueva política de detención, presentando dos demandas colectivas: la primera, centrada en el centro de detención de Tacoma, donde el Tribunal de Distrito falló a favor de los clientes de NWIRP el mes pasado; y la segunda, una demanda colectiva a nivel nacional cuyas alegaciones están previstas para mañana, 14 de noviembre, en Riverside, California. Asimismo, NWIRP ha apoyado a docenas de abogados de todo el país en la presentación de peticiones de hábeas corpus, proporcionándoles plantillas y asesorándolos en sus casos. Los resultados han sido impactantes tanto a nivel local como en todo el país, donde más de un centenar de decisiones judiciales se han pronunciado a favor de los argumentos de NWIRP que impugnan la nueva política de detención del gobierno por considerarla ilegal.

No podemos hacer este trabajo sin ti. Mientras nos preparamos para lo que pueda venir después, por favor considera hacer una donación para apoyar nuestros esfuerzos continuos por proteger a los miembros de la comunidad de detenciones y deportaciones ilegales.

Haga clic aquí para hacer una donación a NWIRP

Gracias. Estamos orgullosos de que formes parte de nuestra comunidad.

En solidaridad,

Malou Chávez (ella)

Directora Ejecutiva

P.D.: Durante el verano, el Congreso aprobó un aumento masivo de las tarifas de solicitudes  de inmigración, lo que dificulta aún más el acceso a la seguridad para las comunidades a las que servimos. Si desea que su donación se destine al pago y a la tramitación de las tarifas de solicitudes de inmigración, indíquelo en el menú desplegable de nuestra página de donaciones.

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Northwest Immigrant Rights Project
nwirp.org

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❗Richland, Kennewick and Grandview ❗February 10th (that is ONE WEEK from today) is the special election deadline, don’t forget to vote!! ... See MoreSee Less

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Port of Benton fires CFO weeks after executive director placed on leave

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The Port of Benton has fired a member of its leadership team just weeks after its executive director was put on leave and amid demands for greater transparency in the
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If you haven't listeneBruce Springsteensteen's new song or watched this music video we highly recommend you doing so. ... See MoreSee Less

Bruce Springsteen - Streets Of Minneapolis (Official Lyric Video)

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Directed by Thom ZimnyEdited by Thom Zimny and Samuel ShapiroProduction Footage: Pam Springsteen and Thom Zimny

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Benton County WA Democrats

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We join forces to win more elections! It was a pleasure co-hosting with Franklin County (WA) Democrats for yesterday's Precinct Committee Officer training! And thank you to all Democrats from all of the legislative districts in the Tri-Cities who joined us.It was a packed house at tonight's Democrat Precinct Committee Officer training for PCOs from Franklin and Benton Counties. Others joined on Zoom. It was an excellent training. Many thanks to Ken, Karen and John for conducting the training and to Carl for tech support. ... See MoreSee Less

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Benton County WA Democrats is at John Dam Plaza.

1 week ago

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Dear Students,You should be damn proud of yourselves! You used your 1st amendment rights to stand up for your peers, your communities, and your nation. You have proven that young Americans will not be silent about the injustices happening around you. You have inspired us all and given us hope for a better future! Shout out to these incredible organizers:@kennewickhighwalkout @southridgewalkoutprotest @kamiakinwalkout @rhsstudentsforchange @hhsstudentsforchange_ ... See MoreSee Less

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Party Calendar

February 2026

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1
2
  • Posters for Progress!

    Posters for Progress!

    February 2, 2026  6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
    Hermiston First United Methodist Church 191 E Gladys Ave Hermiston, OR 97838

    Join local community organizers for Signs of Progress — a relaxed evening of creativity, connection, and collective action!
    There will be sign making, postcard writing, and conversation about the issues that matter most to us. Whether you’re passionate about local causes or just love good company and community spirit, there’s a place for you at the table.

    See more details

•
3
  • Tri-cities Protest Tuesday

    Tri-cities Protest Tuesday

    February 3, 2026  3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
    John Dam Plaza, 815 George Washington Way, Richland, WA 99352, USA

    "Protest Tuesday" at John Dam Plaza on GWay in Richland from 3:30pm to 4:30PM. Bring your own sign or flag or one will be provided. Join our stalwarts and protest whatever is bothering you most that day.
    If possible, also bring a donation for the Food Bank.
    https://www.facebook.com/events/999996418325987/999996484992647/

    See more details

  • Richland City Council

    Richland City Council

    February 3, 2026  7:30 PM - 8:30 PM
    Richland City Hall, 505 Swift Blvd, Richland, WA 99352, USA

    See more details

• •
4
  • Whistle Wednesdays - Pasco

    Whistle Wednesdays - Pasco

    February 4, 2026  2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
    Pasco Library 1320 W. Hopkins St. Pasco, WA

    Join together and help to put together whistle kits to be handed out in the community. We would love to see you there!

    See more details

•
5
  • Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs

    Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs

    February 5, 2026  12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
    The Zoom link can be found in the most recent Indivisible TC Do Something Email Newsletter.

    This is a Zoom meeting. The link to the meeting is provided in the weekly Do-Something email. When you join the organization at this link: https://www.indivisibletricitieswa.org/join-us , you will receive this newsletter.

    Join in and ask questions, get updates or just say hi! These are held every Thursday at 12pm and occasional weekends.

    See more details

•
6
  • Indivisible-Tri-Cities First Friday Happy Hour

    Indivisible-Tri-Cities First Friday Happy Hour

    February 6, 2026  4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
    Moonshot Brewery 8804 West Victoria Ave Kennewick

    Join us for socializing and having some fun!

    See more details

•
7
  • No One Is Above the Law: Monthly Hermiston Visibility Rally

    No One Is Above the Law: Monthly Hermiston Visibility Rally

    February 7, 2026  11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
    East Highland Avenue & South Highway 395 Hermiston, OR 97838

    Join local community members in Hermiston for our No One Is Above the Law visibility action!
    On the first Saturday of each month join folks in fighting for accountability, democracy, and justice — reminding our neighbors that the rule of law applies to everyone.

    Bring your signs, your voice, and your energy for an hour of peaceful sign-waving and community visibility.
    📅 When: 1st Saturday of every month at 11:00 AM | 📍 Where: Corner of Hwy 395 & Highland (by Safeway), Hermiston, OR

    See more details

  • Sunnyside Protest I.C.E. and Rally for Peace

    Sunnyside Protest I.C.E. and Rally for Peace

    February 7, 2026  12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
    East Lincoln Avenue & Yakima Valley Highway Sunnyside, WA 98944

    This a local Indivisible event hosted by Central Washington Resistance!

    Saturday, February 7th, there will be a protest from 12pm-2pm! We will meet on the sidewalk on the corner of East Lincoln Ave & Yakima Valley Hwy. In Sunnyside!

    Community, bring your 'No ICE' signs, your flags, and your voices! We are tired of I.C.E. bringing violence to our communities and this administration spreading fear here and in other countries! Please share… See you there

    See more details

• •
8
9
  • Posters for Progress!

    Posters for Progress!

    February 9, 2026  6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
    Hermiston First United Methodist Church 191 E Gladys Ave Hermiston, OR 97838

    Join local community organizers for Signs of Progress — a relaxed evening of creativity, connection, and collective action!
    There will be sign making, postcard writing, and conversation about the issues that matter most to us. Whether you’re passionate about local causes or just love good company and community spirit, there’s a place for you at the table.

    See more details

  • Benton County Executive Board

    Benton County Executive Board

    February 9, 2026  6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
    Meeting details will be provided over email from the Benton County Democrats Chair.

    See more details

• •
10
  • Tri-cities Protest Tuesday

    Tri-cities Protest Tuesday

    February 10, 2026  3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
    John Dam Plaza, 815 George Washington Way, Richland, WA 99352, USA

    "Protest Tuesday" at John Dam Plaza on GWay in Richland from 3:30pm to 4:30PM. Bring your own sign or flag or one will be provided. Join our stalwarts and protest whatever is bothering you most that day.
    If possible, also bring a donation for the Food Bank.
    https://www.facebook.com/events/999996418325987/999996484992647/

    See more details

  • Kennewick City Council Workshop

    Kennewick City Council Workshop

    February 10, 2026  6:30 PM - 8:00 PM

    See more details

• •
11
  • Whistle Wednesdays - Kennewick

    Whistle Wednesdays - Kennewick

    February 11, 2026  2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
    Mid-Columbia Library - Union Street 1620 S. Union Street Kennewick, WA 99338

    Join together and help to put together whistle kits to be handed out in the community. We would love to see you there!

    See more details

•
12
  • Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs

    Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs

    February 12, 2026  12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
    The Zoom link can be found in the most recent Indivisible TC Do Something Email Newsletter.

    This is a Zoom meeting. The link to the meeting is provided in the weekly Do-Something email. When you join the organization at this link: https://www.indivisibletricitieswa.org/join-us , you will receive this newsletter.

    Join in and ask questions, get updates or just say hi! These are held every Thursday at 12pm and occasional weekends.

    See more details

•
13
14
15
16
  • Posters for Progress!

    Posters for Progress!

    February 16, 2026  6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
    Hermiston First United Methodist Church 191 E Gladys Ave Hermiston, OR 97838

    Join local community organizers for Signs of Progress — a relaxed evening of creativity, connection, and collective action!
    There will be sign making, postcard writing, and conversation about the issues that matter most to us. Whether you’re passionate about local causes or just love good company and community spirit, there’s a place for you at the table.

    See more details

•
17
  • Tri-cities Protest Tuesday

    Tri-cities Protest Tuesday

    February 17, 2026  3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
    John Dam Plaza, 815 George Washington Way, Richland, WA 99352, USA

    "Protest Tuesday" at John Dam Plaza on GWay in Richland from 3:30pm to 4:30PM. Bring your own sign or flag or one will be provided. Join our stalwarts and protest whatever is bothering you most that day.
    If possible, also bring a donation for the Food Bank.
    https://www.facebook.com/events/999996418325987/999996484992647/

    See more details

  • Richland City Council

    Richland City Council

    February 17, 2026  7:30 PM - 8:30 PM
    Richland City Hall, 505 Swift Blvd, Richland, WA 99352, USA

    See more details

• •
18
  • Whistle Wednesdays - Pasco

    Whistle Wednesdays - Pasco

    February 18, 2026  2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
    Pasco Library 1320 W. Hopkins St. Pasco, WA

    Join together and help to put together whistle kits to be handed out in the community. We would love to see you there!

    See more details

•
19
  • Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs

    Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs

    February 19, 2026  12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
    The Zoom link can be found in the most recent Indivisible TC Do Something Email Newsletter.

    This is a Zoom meeting. The link to the meeting is provided in the weekly Do-Something email. When you join the organization at this link: https://www.indivisibletricitieswa.org/join-us , you will receive this newsletter.

    Join in and ask questions, get updates or just say hi! These are held every Thursday at 12pm and occasional weekends.

    See more details

  • Franklin County Democratic Central Committee (FCDCC) Full Membership Meeting

    Franklin County Democratic Central Committee (FCDCC) Full Membership Meeting

    February 19, 2026  5:30 PM - 8:30 PM
    Location: Library, 1320 W Hopkins Street, Pasco Virtual Option (Zoom): https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9144488289?pwd=OENYNWRxR1VtQkVFT1RsMU13RlZLUT09

    We’re excited to invite you to our February General Meeting on Thursday, February 19th!
    As always, we’ll kick things off with our community potluck at 5:30 PM, followed by the meeting at 6:00 PM.
    You can join us in person at the Pasco MCL Branch Library (1320 W. Hopkins) or on Zoom. We’d love to see you in whichever way works best for you.

    See more details

• •
20
21
22
23
  • Posters for Progress!

    Posters for Progress!

    February 23, 2026  6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
    Hermiston First United Methodist Church 191 E Gladys Ave Hermiston, OR 97838

    Join local community organizers for Signs of Progress — a relaxed evening of creativity, connection, and collective action!
    There will be sign making, postcard writing, and conversation about the issues that matter most to us. Whether you’re passionate about local causes or just love good company and community spirit, there’s a place for you at the table.

    See more details

•
24
  • Tri-cities Protest Tuesday

    Tri-cities Protest Tuesday

    February 24, 2026  3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
    John Dam Plaza, 815 George Washington Way, Richland, WA 99352, USA

    "Protest Tuesday" at John Dam Plaza on GWay in Richland from 3:30pm to 4:30PM. Bring your own sign or flag or one will be provided. Join our stalwarts and protest whatever is bothering you most that day.
    If possible, also bring a donation for the Food Bank.
    https://www.facebook.com/events/999996418325987/999996484992647/

    See more details

  • Richland City Council Workshop

    Richland City Council Workshop

    February 24, 2026  6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
    Richland City Hall, 505 Swift Blvd, Richland, WA 99352, USA

    See more details

• •
25
  • Whistle Wednesdays - Kennewick

    Whistle Wednesdays - Kennewick

    February 25, 2026  2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
    Mid-Columbia Library - Union Street 1620 S. Union Street Kennewick, WA 99338

    Join together and help to put together whistle kits to be handed out in the community. We would love to see you there!

    See more details

•
26
  • Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs

    Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs

    February 26, 2026  12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
    The Zoom link can be found in the most recent Indivisible TC Do Something Email Newsletter.

    This is a Zoom meeting. The link to the meeting is provided in the weekly Do-Something email. When you join the organization at this link: https://www.indivisibletricitieswa.org/join-us , you will receive this newsletter.

    Join in and ask questions, get updates or just say hi! These are held every Thursday at 12pm and occasional weekends.

    See more details

  • BCDCC General Public Meeting

    BCDCC General Public Meeting

    February 26, 2026  6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
    Meeting details will be provided over email from the Benton County Democrats Chair.

    See more details

• •
27
28
  • Stitch & Story Circle with Indivisible Tri-Cities

    Stitch & Story Circle with Indivisible Tri-Cities

    February 28, 2026  10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
    Richland Public Library Conference Room B 955 Northgate Richland, WA

    You’re invited to our next Stitch & Story Circle with Indivisible Tri-Cities!

    Join us for a cozy, welcoming morning of book discussion, community conversation, and knitting or crafting if you’d like.

    See more details

•
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