What do we do when Rapid Response Training is not enough?

by Linda Middleton, Immigration Action Group

​What happened to Renee Nicole Good on January 7 is scary, because it is what Rapid Response trains us to do. Don't get out of your car, don't open your door or let U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in, take videos, don't resist. This woman was doing all of that. She seemed to be trying to comply and leave the situation. So the question is, how do we respond then? What do we need to do to be as safe as possible when we bear witness? 

The laws are clear regarding unarmed civilians in a car, moving or not, but in this climate, the rule of law is not being upheld. So, how can we retain the right to resist peacefully and the right to safely live our lives? Every day, Trump creates a new diversion, whether it is murder on the seas or murder in your neighborhood. It is out of control; he is out of control. What are the rules, and how can we safely protest, in a car or not?

This Administration seems to be sending a message: If you obstruct ICE, even peaceably, you can be shot. It is intimidation at its max. Sadly, we are not safe in this USA; this is not what any of us voted for. The video of Renee Nicole Good’s murder speaks volumes. That woman could be any one of us; however, we cannot sit idle. Don't just ask, "what can we do?" Get out and do it, get involved, participate, use your outside voice, and learn to do it safely. Your freedom is at risk.

[EDITOR’S NOTE: Using fear to discourage dissent is a common tactic used by authorities, organizations, and political actors to suppress opposition and enforce conformity. This strategy can lead to widespread self-censorship and hinder critical thinking and innovation. Most disastrously, it can lead to inaction. With immigration, there are a lot of ways to get involved. It’s important to know how our community is being affected and how important it is to document what's happening. Below, the chair of the Immigration Action Group shares several action items you can use to safely fight back.]

---

​A Message from the Chair of the Immigration Action Group 

We are fortunate that Washington state has prohibitions against the local police and sheriff’s office working with ICE. Yes, ICE is operating in the state, but the Keep Washington Working Act (KWW) makes it a bit harder to circumvent protections of our citizens. 

Additionally, our state Attorney General Nick Brown has posted lots of information online about KWW, and offers Know Your Rights flyers in over a dozen languages. 

In a recent conversation with Clallam County Sheriff Brian King and Port Angeles Chief of Police Brian Smith, it was a relief to hear how our local law enforcement operates within the bounds of Keep Washington Working. They seemed very aware of the fear local immigrants face and the trauma of our community. Select this LINK to access an excellent list of support resources compiled by King County for all Washington state citizens.

Below are some immigration action items you can take today — not just in spite of your fear, but because of it:

1. Be aware of immigrant protections in Washington state Know Your Rights information and Keep Washington Working laws in Washington state.  
2. Take an online Know Your Rights Training and Rapid Response training with Washington Immigrant Solidarity Network. Next up: Feb 11. Online training is held every month.
3. Deportation hotline: If you observe ICE activity, contact the Washington Immigration Solidarity Network hotline at 1-844-724-3737. Be aware of the fear that rumors can cause. Do not post on social media.
4. Connect with Jefferson County Immigrant Rights Advocates and efforts to set up a JCIRA here in Clallam County. 
5. Take legislative action to support immigrants in our state. Follow state updates with JCIRA.
6. Share Know Your Rights cards: All people in the United States, regardless of immigration status, have certain rights and protections under the U.S. Constitution. Print “Red Cards” from the Immigrant Legal Resource Center.
7. Connect with other groups such as Port Angeles Indivisible and Indivisible Sequim. Attend Clallam County Democrats’ monthly Immigration Action Group committee online meetings on the second Tuesday of the month, 6 p.m. For more information, contact the Immigration Action Group Chair.