Benton County Democrats

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Northwest Immigrant Rights Project – November 19, 2025

Posted on November 19, 2025

Español abajo

Every day, hundreds of community members held at the Northwest ICE Processing Center (NWIPC) face an increasingly dire situation. Since the start of the year, the number of people detained at the NWIPC has surged from roughly 700 to over 1,500 people, pushing the facility to capacity. And Northwest Immigrant Rights Project remains one of the few organizations providing consistent, in-person legal services inside the facility.

The challenges are immense. Wait times to meet with our clients have increased dramatically. A newly implemented “Detainee Initiative Program” has accelerated life-altering immigration proceedings from a period of months to just a few weeks, dramatically reducing the time available to our clients and staff for preparing frequently complicated immigration cases. The NWIPC has the lowest bond-release rate in the entire country at only 3%, according to recent data. And there have been documented human rights violations at the facility for many years, tracked by our partners at the University of Washington Center for Human Rights. 

Despite these challenges, NWIRP continues to fight these injustices. We remain on the ground every week, conducting intakes, advising individuals on their rights, and representing clients in complex legal proceedings. And we continue to pursue legal remedy in court, where the District Court ruled in favor of NWIRP’s clients last month. But sustaining this level of work—and expanding it to meet the growing need—requires long-term support.

This is where you can make a profound difference.

Your gift today will allow NWIRP to continue our dedicated services at the detention center. It will ensure that community members in detention will have legal counsel by their side as they face a racist and unjust system.

Make a Gift to NWIRP

In a moment when the challenges are rising faster than ever, your support is essential. Together, we can continue defending the rights and dignity of every person in detention.

Thank you for standing with immigrant communities and with NWIRP.

With gratitude,

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.

Cada día, cientos de miembros de nuestra comunidad en detención en el Centro de Procesamiento del Noroeste (NWIPC, por sus siglas en inglés) enfrentan una situación cada vez más grave. Desde comienzos de este año, el número de personas detenidas en el NWIPC ha aumentado de aproximadamente 700 a más de 1,500, llevando la instalación a su capacidad máxima. Y el Proyecto del Noroeste para los Derechos del Inmigrante (NWIRP, por sus siglas en inglés) sigue siendo una de las pocas organizaciones que brinda servicios legales constantes y presenciales dentro del centro de detención.

Los desafíos son enormes. Los tiempos de espera para reunirnos con nuestros clientes han aumentado drásticamente. Un nuevo programa, el “Detainee Initiative Program”, ha acelerado los procesos migratorios —que antes tomaban meses— a un lapso de tan solo unas semanas, reduciendo dramáticamente el tiempo que nuestros clientes y nuestro equipo tienen para preparar casos de inmigración que a menudo son muy complejos. Adicionalmente, el NWIPC tiene la tasa más baja de libertad bajo fianza en todo el país: apenas un 3%, según datos recientes. Y por muchos años se han documentado violaciones a los derechos humanos en la instalación, registradas por nuestros socios del Centro de Derechos Humanos de la Universidad de Washington.

A pesar de estos desafíos, NWIRP continúa luchando contra estas injusticias. Seguimos presentes cada semana, realizando entrevistas iniciales, asesorando a las personas sobre sus derechos y representando a nuestros clientes en procedimientos legales complejos. También continuamos buscando soluciones legales en los tribunales, donde el Tribunal de Distrito falló a favor de nuestros clientes el mes pasado. Pero mantener este nivel de trabajo —y ampliarlo para responder a la creciente necesidad— requiere apoyo a largo plazo.

Aquí es donde tú, puedes marcar una diferencia significativa.

Tu donación hoy permitirá que NWIRP continúe brindando servicios dedicados dentro del centro de detención. Asegurará que los miembros de nuestra comunidad detenidos cuenten con asesoría legal mientras enfrentan un sistema racista e injusto.

Haga clic aquí para hacer una donación a NWIRP

En un momento en el que los desafíos crecen más rápido que nunca, tu apoyo es esencial. Juntos, podemos seguir defendiendo los derechos y la dignidad de cada persona en detención.

Gracias por solidarizarte con las comunidades inmigrantes y con NWIRP.

Con gratitud,

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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1 week ago

Benton County WA Democrats
Thank you for showing up today! Your presence matters. Your voice matters. Together, we stand! #ICEOutForGood #NonviolentAction #solidarity #indivisibletricitieswa Indivisible Tri-Cities WA ... See MoreSee Less

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A life was lost, and we refuse to remain silent.📍 Columbia Center Blvd🗓️ Saturday, January 10⏰ 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM✅ Dress warmly. Wear black. Remember this is a nonviolent event, and we expect all participants to seek to de-escalate any potential confrontation with those who disagree with our values, and to act lawfully.✊🖤 ICE OUT FOR GOOD 🖤✊This Saturday, our community is coming together to speak out, stand in solidarity, and demand accountability. A life was lost, and we refuse to remain silent.📍 Columbia Center Blvd🗓️ Saturday, January 10⏰ 11:00 AM – 1:00 PMA core principle behind all Indivisible Tri-Cities events is a commitment to nonviolent action and no civil disobedience. We expect all participants to seek to de-escalate any potential confrontation with those who disagree with our values, and to act lawfully at these events. Weapons of any kind, including those legally permitted, should not be brought to events. All events should be held in public spaces or on public property.Dress warmly and wear black in remembrance. ❄️🖤Your presence matters. Your voice matters. Together, we stand. 💪🌎#IceOutForGood #NonViolentAction #Solidarity #Indivisibletricitieswa ... See MoreSee Less

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Well said John Duresky for Congress! ... See MoreSee Less

Why did a federal immigration enforcement operation end with a woman dead, and why are communities still being given vague answers instead of real accountability? YESTERDAY: ICE officers were involved in an immigration enforcement operation in south Minneapolis that ended with a civilian woman fatally shot during a roadside encounter. Federal officials described the shooting as self-defense, while local leaders, witnesses, and family members disputed that account and called for an independent investigation. THIS MORNING: A community is grieving and demanding answers. Eyewitness accounts and available video raise serious questions about whether deadly force was necessary. Federal authorities have offered limited detail and no independent review. This is not a partisan question. It is a question of accountability. Public safety matters. Law enforcement matters. But when the federal government uses deadly force, it must explain, clearly, publicly, and credibly, why. In WA-04, people live in small towns. They know their neighbors. They expect government power to be exercised carefully, and that when something goes wrong, leaders do not close ranks. They tell the truth. We should never be asked to choose between public safety and civil liberties. A serious government protects both. Here is what I will do differently as your Congressman: Demand full, public investigations when federal enforcement actions result in preventable loss of life, unlawful arrests, or violence Push for independent oversight of federal agencies operating in our communities Insist that use-of-force standards are clear, constitutional, and enforced — not justified after the fact with press releases and silence Accountability is not anti-law-enforcement. ICE officers were involved in an immigration enforcement operation in south Minneapolis that ended with a civilian woman being fatally shot during a roadside encounter. Federal officials described the shooting as self-defense, while local leaders, witnesses, and family members disputed that account and called for an independent investigation. https://johnduresky4congress.com/

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Our hearts break for the friends and loved ones of Renee Nicole Good 💔 We know what we saw and we stand with you Minnesota!WA Democratic Party Chair, Shasti Conrad, released the following statement: ... See MoreSee Less

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Party Calendar

January 2026

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1
2
  • FredMeyer Pickup Order Time

    FredMeyer Pickup Order Time

    January 2, 2026  10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
    101 Wellsian Way Richland, WA 99352

    See more details

•
3
  • No One Is Above the Law: Monthly Hermiston Visibility Rally

    No One Is Above the Law: Monthly Hermiston Visibility Rally

    January 3, 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

  • No War

    No War

    January 3, 2026  5:00 PM - 6:00 PM
    Columbia Center Blvd Kennewick

    Well, waking up to an invasion in Venezuela gets your heart pumping and a desire to say NO TO WAR!

    The local Tri-Cities for Palestine is holding a rally TODAY and TOMORROW at 5pm. IF you want to get out on the streets. Indivisible will not be there as a group, but know many want to get out! Join them!!

    The Benton County Democrats are not part of planning or activity of this rally. Please attend at your own risk.

    See more details

• •
4
  • No War

    No War

    January 4, 2026  5:00 PM - 6:00 PM
    Columbia Center Blvd Kennewick

    Well, waking up to an invasion in Venezuela gets your heart pumping and a desire to say NO TO WAR!

    The local Tri-Cities for Palestine is holding a rally TODAY and TOMORROW at 5pm. IF you want to get out on the streets. Indivisible will not be there as a group, but know many want to get out! Join them!!

    The Benton County Democrats are not part of planning or activity of this rally. Please attend at your own risk.

    See more details

•
5
  • Posters for Progress!

    Posters for Progress!

    January 5, 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

•
6
  • Tri-cities Protest Tuesday

    Tri-cities Protest Tuesday

    January 6, 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

    January 6, 2026  7:30 PM - 8:30 PM
    Richland City Hall, 505 Swift Blvd, Richland, WA 99352, USA

    See more details

• •
7
8
  • Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs

    Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs

    January 8, 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

•
9
  • FredMeyer Pickup Order Time

    FredMeyer Pickup Order Time

    January 9, 2026  10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
    101 Wellsian Way Richland, WA 99352

    See more details

  • Tri-City Democrats - Friday, January 9, 6:00 PM

    Tri-City Democrats - Friday, January 9, 6:00 PM

    January 9, 2026  6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
    Round Table Pizza3201 W Court St, Pasco

    Let’s join together for our first gathering of 2026. This month we'll meet at the Round Table Pizza on Court Street in Pasco. January 9 at 6pm. Come gather with like-minded folks and share some fellowship, food and beverages. As is our normal practice, Tri-City Democrats will order several pizzas to share. We'll have the donation box available for those who care to financially support the group. Some of our generous members are likely to purchase pitchers of beer to share. If you want the salad bar or soft drinks, you are on your own for those items.

    At this writing, we do not have a planned program, but we will have 'Hate Has no Home Here' signs available. We are coming up on election time for the group - at our January meeting we'll plan to hold elections for our officers for 2026. Please let us know if you are interested in serving on the board!

    For full details, including the address, and to RSVP see: 

    https://www.meetup.com/tri-city-democrats/events/312748334/

    See more details

• •
10
  • Ice Out for Good

    Ice Out for Good

    January 10, 2026  11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
    Columbia Center Blvd, in front of the mall, parking near JC Penny’s

    A broad coalition of groups across the country is calling for a coordinated Ice Out For Good Weekend of Action on Saturday, January 10th and Sunday, January 11th to demand accountability, honor the life lost, and make visible the human cost of ICE’s actions.

    See more details

•
11
  • Sunnyside WA Street Rally and Protest against ICE and corporations that assist them!

    Sunnyside WA Street Rally and Protest against ICE and corporations that assist them!

    January 11, 2026  12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
    https://www.mobilize.us/indivisible/event/880996/

    This a local Indivisible event!

    We will meet on the sidewalk in front of Sunnyside Walmart at 12pm.✊🏼Sunday, January 11, there will be a protest in front of Walmart in Sunnyside from 12-2pm! Community, bring your 'No ICE' signs, your flags, and your voices! 📣 We are tired of shopping at their stores and them not protecting or supporting their customers! We don’t want ICE in their parking lots! 🧊🚫 Please share… See you there 🙏🏼

    See more details

•
12
  • Posters for Progress!

    Posters for Progress!

    January 12, 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

    January 12, 2026  6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
    Richland Public Library, 955 Northgate Dr, Richland, WA 99352, USA

    See more details

• •
13
  • Tri-cities Protest Tuesday

    Tri-cities Protest Tuesday

    January 13, 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

    January 13, 2026  6:30 PM - 8:00 PM

    See more details

• •
14
15
  • Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs

    Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs

    January 15, 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

    January 15, 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

    Please join us for our first general meeting of 2026! The January general meeting will happen on Thursday, the 15th. We will have our usual potluck at 5:30pm and with the meeting starting at 6pm. Our meeting will be both in person at the Pasco MCL Branch Library (1320 W. Hopkins) and on zoom. 

    https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9144488289?pwd=OENYNWRxR1VtQkVFT1RsMU13RlZLUT09

    See more details

• •
16
17
  • Indivisible Tri-cities Working Meeting

    Indivisible Tri-cities Working Meeting

    January 17, 2026  11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
    Mid-Columbia Library (Union) 1620 S Union St Kennewick, WA 99338

    Join us to get the year rolling! We will be planning for the coming year, join together in community, and have a little fun!

    See more details

•
18
19
  • A Taste of Afghanistan

    A Taste of Afghanistan

    January 19, 2026  6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
    B5 Learning Center 715 S Jean Street Kennewick, WA 99336

    Join B5 for a meal prepared by our Afghan friends on Monday, January 19. It will be an evening of delicious food, community, and an opportunity to learn about Afghan culture. We hope you join us as we create a community of open hearts, helping hands, and supportive systems where we all thrive.
    https://thriveatb5.networkforgood.com/events/95545-a-taste-of-afghanistan

    See more details

  • Posters for Progress!

    Posters for Progress!

    January 19, 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

• •
20
  • Tri-cities Protest Tuesday

    Tri-cities Protest Tuesday

    January 20, 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

    January 20, 2026  7:30 PM - 8:30 PM
    Richland City Hall, 505 Swift Blvd, Richland, WA 99352, USA

    See more details

• •
21
22
  • Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs

    Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs

    January 22, 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

    January 22, 2026  6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
    Meeting details will be provided over email from the Benton County Democrats Chair.

    See more details

• •
23
24
  • Stitch & Story Circle with Indivisible Tri-Cities

    Stitch & Story Circle with Indivisible Tri-Cities

    January 24, 2026  10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
    Richland Public Library Doris Roberts Gallery 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

•
25
26
  • Posters for Progress!

    Posters for Progress!

    January 26, 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

•
27
  • Tri-cities Protest Tuesday

    Tri-cities Protest Tuesday

    January 27, 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

    January 27, 2026  6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
    Richland City Hall, 505 Swift Blvd, Richland, WA 99352, USA

    See more details

• •
28
29
  • Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs

    Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs

    January 29, 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

•
30
  • National Day of Action and Walkout

    National Day of Action and Walkout

    January 30, 2026  1:50 PM - 5:00 PM
    John Dam Plaza Knight @ George Washington Way Richland, WA

    On January 20, I pledge to walk out on fascism and walk toward a Free America.
    I refuse to accept raids, purges, surveillance, and fear as the new normal. I will help block the routines of power, support my community, and take action with courage and care.

    Join us for 5 minutes or an hour or more.

    See more details

  • Benton-Franklin Democrats Precinct Committee Officer Training

    Benton-Franklin Democrats Precinct Committee Officer Training

    January 30, 2026  5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
    IBEW Local 77, 7025 W Grandridge Blvd, Kennewick WA.

    Plan to attend. Mark your calendar for Precinct Committee Officer Training January 30, 2026, 5 PM to 8PM at IBEW Local 77, 7025 W Grandridge Blvd, Kennewick WA.

    More details coming.

    See more details

  • Precinct Committee Officer Training

    Precinct Committee Officer Training

    January 30, 2026  5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
    IBEW Local 77, 7025 W Grandridge Blvd, Kennewick, WA 99336, USA

    See more details

• • •
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