Benton County Democrats

Standing up for the people of Benton County, WA

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Northwest Immigrant Rights Project – November 13, 2025

Posted on November 13, 2025

Español abajo

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.

Follow us on social media!

Northwest Immigrant Rights Project
nwirp.org

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Unwind, sip, and create! 🎨🍷 Join the Democrats of the 8th Legislative District Washington for Paint & Sip on October 4th. Grab your tickets before they’re gone! 👉 secure.actblue.com/donate/paint_at_the_co-op?fbclid=IwY2xjawUW9GVwZG9mAWV4dG4DYWVtAjEwAGJyaWQRMVR... ...

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We hope to see you at Columbia Park in Kennewick on Monday from 10am - 3pm for the Annual Labor Day Picnic! Find us at the Democrats of the Mid Columbia booth!If any team members would like to volunteer at our booth, sign up here: 🔗 www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D4FA5AD2DA7F8C43-64533655-labor ...

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Our August General Meeting is Thursday (8/27) at the Richland Public Library.Join fellow advocates to connect and build a better future. We hope to see you there!🗓️ Thursday, August 27th🕡 6:30pm - 8:30pm📍 Richland Public Library (955 Northgate Dr., Richland, WA) ...

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The Benton-Franklin Fair is right around the corner!Sign up to march and toss candy with us during the Parade and/or help out at our booth!🔗Parade Sign Up ➡️ www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D4FA5AD2DA7F8C43-50343105-tricities 🔗Booth Sign Up ➡️ www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D4FA5AD2DA7F8C43-50435640-bentonfranklin ...

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Party Calendar

September 2026

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1
  • BADGER FORUM: Laliik: Sacred Mountain in Bureaucratic Quagmire

    BADGER FORUM: Laliik: Sacred Mountain in Bureaucratic Quagmire

    September 1, 2026  12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
    https://badgers.clubexpress.com/content.aspx?page_id=722&club_id=392306&emtid=3209205288255

    Our iconic Rattlesnake Mountain is known as Laliik to Native Americans, for whom the mountain has been sacred for millennia.  The oft repeated and dubious local claim that it's the tallest treeless mountain neglects the true significance of its geology and ecology.  Its incorporation into the Hanford Site in 1943 initiated a complex history of federal involvement, culminating in its current and persistent off-limits status.   

    This forum will describe the mountain's history, geology, ecology, and cultural significance and seek to understand perspectives on possible futures for one of the region's treasures.

    See more details

  • Tri-cities Protest Tuesday

    Tri-cities Protest Tuesday

    September 1, 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

    September 1, 2026  7:30 PM - 8:30 PM
    Richland City Hall, 505 Swift Blvd, Richland, WA 99352, USA

    See more details

2
3
  • Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs

    Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs

    September 3, 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

  • Duresky Live YouTube District-Wide Townhall, Thursday, Sept 3rd 7-8:00 PM

    Duresky Live YouTube District-Wide Townhall, Thursday, Sept 3rd 7-8:00 PM

    September 3, 2026  7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
    https://www.johnduresky4congress.com/events/youtube-live-townhall-district-wide

    Join John Duresky for Live YouTube District-Wide Townhall, Thursday, September 3rd, 7:00-8:00PM.

    Save this link to attend! https://youtube.com/live/pNofS0fkITM?feature=share

    Text questions to: 509-492-2205

    See more details

4
  • Indivisible-Tri-Cities First Friday Happy Hour

    Indivisible-Tri-Cities First Friday Happy Hour

    September 4, 2026  4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
    Moonshot Brewing, 8804 W Victoria Ave # 140, Kennewick, WA 99336, USA

    Join us for socializing and having some fun!

    See more details

5
  • No One Is Above the Law: Monthly Hermiston Visibility Rally

    No One Is Above the Law: Monthly Hermiston Visibility Rally

    September 5, 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

6
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8
  • Tri-cities Protest Tuesday

    Tri-cities Protest Tuesday

    September 8, 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

    September 8, 2026  6:30 PM - 8:00 PM

    See more details

9
10
  • Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs

    Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs

    September 10, 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

11
  • Tri-City Democrats - Friday, September 11, 6:00 PM

    Tri-City Democrats - Friday, September 11, 6:00 PM

    September 11, 2026  6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
    Round Table Pizza, 3201 W Court St, Pasco, WA 99301, USA

    It's September, and time for our monthly gathering. We'll meet on September 11 at 6pm.  We are inviting candidates who have made it through the primary to come visit with us. We will also have 'Hate Has no Home Here' and 'Vote Blue' signs available.

    We are hoping that the weather will cooperate for a picnic at the farm - 4501 W Lattin Ct, West Richland, WA. If it's hot, we have plenty of shade and misters and sprinklers to take the edge off the heat. If it's cool, we have firepits and patio heaters to take the edge off the chill. We have the Pasco Round Table reserved in the event that the weather does not cooperate, and we'll make a final announcement on Wednesday the 9th. Come gather with like-minded folks and share some fellowship, food and beverages. If we are picnicking, bring a dish to share, and Tri-City Democrats will provide utensils and plates, and napkins. If we're at the pizza location, TCD will purchase an assortment of pizzas to share. You're on your own for salad bar and beverages, though there are usually pitchers of beer provided by fellow members. We'll have the donation box available for those who care to financially support the group.

    https://www.meetup.com/tri-city-democrats/events/315969142/

    See more details

12
13
14
  • Benton County Executive Board

    Benton County Executive Board

    September 14, 2026  6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
    Meeting details will be provided over email from the Benton County Democrats Chair.

    See more details

15
  • Tri-cities Protest Tuesday

    Tri-cities Protest Tuesday

    September 15, 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

    September 15, 2026  7:30 PM - 8:30 PM
    Richland City Hall, 505 Swift Blvd, Richland, WA 99352, USA

    See more details

16
17
  • Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs

    Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs

    September 17, 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 General Meeting

    Franklin County General Meeting

    September 17, 2026  5:30 PM - 8:00 PM
    Teamsters Local Union 839, 1103 W Sylvester St #1, Pasco, WA 99301, USA

    📍Location: Teamsters Local 839, 1103 W Sylvester Street, Pasco

    ⌚️5:30 p.m. (Potluck /Social) - 6:00 p.m. (Meeting begins)
    Or join us via Zoom Here

    Hello Democrats,

    Please note that for the next 3 meetings we will have our monthly meetings at LOCAL TEAMSTERS 839. We are grateful for their hospitality. Please save those dates:

    September, 17th
    October, 15th
    November 12th (Special meeting date) 

    This month we will have a presentation on the NO I-645 ballot initiative and will vote to endorse. 

    Also we are asking all voters to check their registration AND to NOT mail your ballots, instead, drop them off at your nearest drop box location and check that your ballot was accepted. Here is the link to check your voting registration 

    Franklin County Democrats, let’s support our endorsed candidates! Have you checked out our new website? Please consider contributing to our party; you can do so on our website or come talk to us during the meeting or give me a call/txt or email. Here is the link  to our website. 

    Democratically yours,

    Ana Ruiz Kennedy, Chair & Franklin Democrats Executive Board

    See more details

18
19
  • Duresky Canvassing Event

    Duresky Canvassing Event

    September 19, 2026  9:30 AM - 1:00 PM
    CSA Building - 713 Jadwin Ave, Richland

    Ballots will be arriving to voters next month and the conversations we have with our neighbors will make a difference.

    Whether you've knocked thousands of doors or this would be your very first time, we'd love to have you on the team. Training, materials, and turf in both Franklin and Benton Counties will be provided.

    See more details

  • Indivisible - Tri-Cities Working Meeting

    Indivisible - Tri-Cities Working Meeting

    September 19, 2026  12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
    Mid-Columbia Library (Union) 1620 S. Union Street Kennewick, WA 99338

    Our monthly Indivisible Tri-Cities meetings are all about taking action in our community.📆

    💬We’ll be talking about what’s happening, how our community organizations are stepping up, and how we can help. We’ll also start planning for upcoming events.

    🗣️We want to hear from you! Your ideas and input matter.

    ✊This is how we build power together. Come connect, learn, and take action with us. See you there!

    If you're able, please bring a non-perishable food item for donation. We strive to collect these resources at every Indivisible Tri-Cities event, on behalf of our community partners.

    See more details

20
21
22
  • Tri-cities Protest Tuesday

    Tri-cities Protest Tuesday

    September 22, 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

    September 22, 2026  6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
    Richland City Hall, 505 Swift Blvd, Richland, WA 99352, USA

    See more details

23
  • 8th Legislative District Democrats: General Meeting

    8th Legislative District Democrats: General Meeting

    September 23, 2026  6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
    https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84548458341

    Meeting Details:

    This meeting is for all residents of the 8th Legislative District to attend as their time permits.

    We encourage attendance by our PCOs and anyone who wishes to participate or contribute to the efforts of the 8th LD Democrats, as well as those seeking information on how they can help.

     

    Proposed Agenda:

    Call to Order 

    Delegates Discussion

    Visibility Events and Volunteers

    Candidates and Future Goals

    Good of the Order - Thoughts, Concerns, Achievements, Comments, Questions

    Adjourn

    See more details

24
  • BADGER FORUM: Extraordinary Foundations: The Declaration of Independence and the Constitution

    BADGER FORUM: Extraordinary Foundations: The Declaration of Independence and the Constitution

    September 24, 2026  12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
    https://badgers.clubexpress.com/content.aspx?page_id=722&club_id=392306&emtid=3227443100568

    As we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, this forum will detail how remarkable it and the Constitution were. Professors Jamie Mayerfeld (UW) and Johann Neem (WWU) will explain how Jefferson, Hamilton, Madison, and others, based on principles gleaned from the ancient history of the Greeks and Romans, along with contemporary ideas of the Enlightenment, forged an unprecedented synthesis, resulting in a paradigm shift in governance from monarchy to self-determination.

    It wasn’t easy.

    In this hybrid program these professors will explain the context, the struggles, and the underlying principles anchored in these two founding documents to help us gain a deeper appreciation of how our country brought forth a new age of liberty and governance, one determined by “We the People….”

    See more details

  • Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs

    Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs

    September 24, 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

  • 16th LD Democratic Party Call to Meeting

    16th LD Democratic Party Call to Meeting

    September 24, 2026  5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
    Richland Public Library, 955 Northgate Dr, Richland, WA 99352, USA

    Every month on the Fourth Thu, until Jan 28, 2027, 11occurrence(s)

    Pleasedownload and import the following iCalendar (.ics) files to your calendarsystem.

    Monthly:https://us05web.zoom.us/meeting/tZUldO6hrzwuGd3-10krfe1QmS1Jo9tXBOs-/ics?icsToken=DJVFuCKh_Z4OoP_SCgAALAAAAFdu_ZAfRNNEgm3YY-r-IQJW5lTWuy29jBlclOVfmw-klIsBeuZV2F2PvUCBHbh0ht8yhdyefiR9fBmqRDAwMDAwMQ&meetingMasterEventId=AnaBeSvNSjeuG9ncdABDuA

    JoinZoom Meeting

    https://us05web.zoom.us/j/81837917439?pwd=5kiSQvuTavDmrRe8Vazfbia3G2yvfb.1

     

    MeetingID: 818 3791 7439

    Passcode:Dems2026

    See more details

  • BCDCC General Public Meeting

    BCDCC General Public Meeting

    September 24, 2026  6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
    Locations are at various venues around the county. Please subscribe to the BCDCC mailing list to receive a notification.

    Zoom Link

    See more details

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  • Tri-cities Protest Tuesday

    Tri-cities Protest Tuesday

    September 29, 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

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