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WA Immigrant Solidarity Network – December 7, 2024

Posted on December 7, 2024

[Español Abajo] 

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

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:

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:

What does the future hold for immigrant and refugee communities?

Recent developments have brought heightened uncertainty to our communities. We’ve all seen an escalation of policies and rhetoric targeting immigrants, refugees, and other directly impacted  people — making it harder for many of us to feel safe and secure.

Here in Washington state, we’re standing firm in our commitment to justice and ensuring a life of abundance for all immigrants. We’ve fought for our state to enact critical policies like Keep Washington Working and Courts Open to All to protect immigrants and refugees, and we’re determined to defend these protections in the years to come.

For nearly a decade, we’ve built a statewide network to protect our communities from deportation. This network has been a source of support and solidarity, and looking forward our focus remains on:

  • Defending and strengthening state policies safeguarding the rights of immigrants and refugees.
  • Advocating for local, state, and federal policies that resist this harmful anti-immigrant agenda.
  • Monitoring local law enforcement to ensure they adhere to Washington’s sanctuary policies and to prevent collaboration with immigration enforcement.

Together we will make sure that Washington continues to stand as a beacon of safety and opportunity for all, rooted in principles of justice and mutual care

Deportation Defense Hotline

The WAISN Deportation Defense Hotline has been a movement organizing tool serving all of Washington state since 2017. Regardless of the election outcome, we don’t have to start from scratch: we have systems in place and a trusted community resource we can engage with.

To report a detention or ICE/CBP activity, call 1-844-724-3737, 8am–6pm, Monday–Friday. Operators are bilingual in English and Spanish, and we offer interpretation in nearly 300 other languages.

Accompaniment

WAISN’s Accompaniment Program is a vital pillar of our Deportation Defense efforts, providing compassionate support to individuals and families navigating the immigration and legal systems. Our volunteers can accompany individuals to:

  • Immigration Court in Seattle and Tacoma
    • Bond Hearings at the NWDC
    • Cancellations of removal hearings
    • Individual calendar (merits) hearings
    • Immigration court appeals 
    • Master calendar hearings
  • State Courthouse
    • Domestic violence
    • DUI
    • Family Court
    • Traffic violations 
    • Other criminal and civil matters 
  • USCIS Field Office in Tukwila and Yakima
    • Biometrics appointment 
    • Ankle Monitor Check-ins
    • ICE Check-ins

To request Accompaniment, please call the Deportation Defense Hotline at 1-844-724-3737 a minimum of 5 days in anticipation of appointment to ensure we are able to find support. To learn more about how to become a volunteer for the WAISN Accompaniment Program, please email Yahaira, WAISN’s Deportation Defense Organizer, at yahaira.padilla@waisn.org!

Fair Fight Bond Fund

The Fair Fight Bond Fund (FFBF) helps immigrants in Washington state secure their release from immigration detention by covering bond costs. If you or someone you know is in immigration detention and needs bond support, you can apply for assistance through the FFBF by calling the Deportation Defense Hotline at 1.844.724.3737 Monday to Friday 8:00 am to 6:00 pm to complete an application over the phone or visiting the Fair Fight Bond Fund to complete an application online:

APPLY ONLINE

APPLY ONLINE

Want to help keep families together? Donations to the Fair Fight Bond Fund go directly toward freeing community members from detention and reuniting them with their loved ones. Every contribution makes a difference.

DONATE TO THE FAIR FIGHT BOND FUND

Immigrant Health Coverage

Open Enrollment for health insurance in Washington State has begun! From November 1, 2024 to January 15, 2025, everyone living in Washington — regardless of immigration status — can purchase health insurance through Washington Healthplanfinder.

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 help for you and your loved ones — and you can get in-language support in over 200 languages!

Upcoming Events

Join us for a Know Your Rights training on Friday, December 13, where we’ll answer critical questions like what to do if ICE comes to your home or workplace, how to identify a valid arrest warrant, and what else to do when encountering ICE. Empower yourself and your community with the knowledge to stay prepared and protected!

Our general meeting is the third Thursday of every month, please join us on December 19th 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,

Yahaira Padilla
Pronouns: She/Her/Ella
Deportation Defense Organizer

Habla Israel González, Organizador de Respuesta Rápida de WAISN, y quiero agradecerle su asistencia a nuestra Reunión General del mes de noviembre. 

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:

¿Qué futuro nos espera a las comunidades inmigrantes y refugiadas?

Los últimos acontecimientos políticos han aumentado la incertidumbre en nuestras comunidades. Hemos visto un aumento de políticas y retóricas contra inmigrantes, refugiados y otras personas directamente impactadas, lo que hace más difícil para muchos sentirnos seguros y protegidos.

Aquí, en el estado de Washington, nos mantenemos firmes en nuestro compromiso con la justicia y la garantía de una vida de abundancia para todos los inmigrantes. Hemos luchado para que nuestro estado adopte leyes fundamentales como Keep Washington Working y Courts Open to All para proteger a comunidades inmigrantes y refugiadas, y estamos determinados en seguir defendiendo estas protecciones.

Durante casi una década, hemos creado una red estatal para proteger a nuestras comunidades contra la deportación. Esta red ha sido una fuente de apoyo y solidaridad. Mirando hacia el futuro nos seguiremos enfocando en:

  • Defender y fortalecer las leyes estatales que protegen los derechos de personas inmigrantes y refugiadas.
  • Abogar por políticas locales, estatales y federales que opongan esta peligrosa agenda anti-inmigrante.
  • Supervisar a las autoridades locales para garantizar que cumplan con las leyes santuarias de Washington y evitar la colaboración con las autoridades de inmigración.

Juntos nos aseguraremos de que Washington siga siendo un ejemplo de seguridad y oportunidades para todos, basado en principios de justicia y apoyo mutuo.

Línea de Defensa contra la Deportación

La Línea de Defensa contra la Deportación de WAISN ha sido una herramienta de organización que asiste a todo el estado de Washington desde el 2017. Independientemente del resultado de las elecciones, no tenemos que empezar desde cero ya que tenemos procedimientos establecidos y un recurso comunitario de confianza con el que podemos trabajar

Para reportar una detención o actividad de la migra (ICE)/CBP, llame al 1-844-724-3737, de 8:00 am a 6:00 pm, de lunes a viernes. Los operadores son bilingües en inglés y español, y contamos con interpretación en más de 300 idiomas.

Acompañamiento

El Programa de Acompañamiento de WAISN es esencial en nuestros esfuerzos de Defensa contra la Deportación, ya que ofrece apoyo solidario a las personas y familias que se enfrentan al sistema legal e inmigratorio. Nuestros voluntarios pueden acompañar a las personas a:

  • Los Tribunales de Inmigración en Seattle y Tacoma
    • Audiencias de fianza en el centro de detención
    • Audiencias individuales (méritos)
    • Apelaciones ante el tribunal de inmigración
    • Audiencias del calendario principal
  • Las audiencias ante tribunales estatales
    • Violencia doméstica
    • Conducir bajo la influencia del alcohol (DUI, por sus siglas en inglés)
    • Tribunal de familia
    • Violaciones de tráfico
    • Otros asuntos criminales y civiles
  • Las citas de Inmigración en las Oficinas de USCIS, Tukwila y Yakima
    • Chequeos de monitores de tobillo
    • Datos biométricos
    • Registros de Servicio de Inmigración y Control de Aduanas (ICE, por sus siglas en inglés)

Para solicitar Acompañamiento, por favor llame a la Línea de Defensa contra la Deportación de WAISN al 1-844-724-3737 con un mínimo de 5 días de anticipación de su cita para asegurar acompañamiento. Para obtener más información de cómo formar parte del Programa de Acompañamiento de WAISN como voluntario, por favor envíe un correo electrónico a Yahaira, nuestra Organizadora de Defensa contra la Deportación, yahaira.padilla@waisn.org.

Fondo de Fianza Lucha Justa

El Fondo de Fianza Lucha Justa (FFBF, por sus siglas en inglés) es un programa de WAISN el cual ayuda cubriendo los costos de fianzas a inmigrantes en centros de detención y así asegurar su liberación. Si usted o alguien que usted conoce está en detención de inmigración y necesita apoyo de fianza, puede solicitar asistencia a través del FFBF llamando a la Línea de Defensa contra la Deportación al 1-844-724-3737 de lunes a viernes de 8:00 am a 6:00 pm para completar una solicitud por teléfono o visitando la página web del Fondo de Fianza Lucha Justa para completar una solicitud en línea:

Solicite al Fondo de Fianza Lucha Justa

¿Quiere ayudar a mantener a las familias unidas? Las donaciones al Fondo de Fianza Lucha Justa contribuyen directamente a los pagos de fianza de inmigrantes en detención. Su ayuda ofrece a estas personas la oportunidad de luchar sus casos legales rodeado por seres queridos. Cada contribución recibida crea esta diferencia.

Done al Fondo de Fianza Lucha Justa para Inmigrantes

Seguro médico para inmigrantes

¡Ha comenzado el periodo de inscripción abierta para el seguro médico en el estado de Washington! Desde el 1 de noviembre de 2024 hasta el 15 de enero de 2025, todas las personas que vivan en Washington -independientemente de su estatus migratorio- pueden comprar un seguro médico a través de Washington Healthplanfinder.


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

¡Encuentre un orientador o centro de inscripción cerca de usted para obtener asistencia personalizada!

Los miembros de la comunidad hispanohablante también están invitados a unirse a WAISN por un Facebook en vivo con el Consulado de México en Seattle y un orientador de seguros médicos el viernes 13 de diciembre a las 12:00 p.m. para responder a todas sus preguntas sobre la inscripción abierta.

Próximos entrenamientos

Únase a nosotros para un entrenamiento virtual de Conozca sus Derechos el viernes 13 de diciembre a las 6:00pm para responder a sus preguntas sobre qué hacer si la migra llega a su casa o lugar de trabajo, cómo identificar una orden judicial válida, y qué más hacer cuando se encuentra con la migra.  ¡Conozca cómo prepararse y protegerse a sí mismo y a su comunidad!

Nuestra Reunión General se lleva a cabo el tercer jueves de cada mes. ¡Únase a nosotros el 19 de diciembre 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,

Yahaira Padilla

Pronombre: Ella

Organizadora de Defensa contra la Deportación

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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

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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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