Citizens won the Battle of Minnesota. In January, 3,000 Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents invaded the Twin Cities, armed with military-grade weaponry, sophisticated surveillance technology, and an animus toward immigrants. Minnesotans resisted with whistles, cell phones, love, care, a commitment to “neighboring,” and the knowledge and skills that enabled them to overcome an assault on their city and force a humiliating MAGA withdrawal. We will learn from them and obtain the knowledge and skills to replicate their success.
ICE has not yet conducted a mass raid in our community, but **we must prepare ourselves** for this possibility. Attacks on immigrants are ongoing in the Bay Area. Despite its defeat in Minnesota, ICE continues to brutalize immigrants.
Participants in this Democracy Forum event will **build capacity to mount a fast, coordinated, and compassionate response to ICE attacks**. Learn about, network with, and join groups that work in this field. In addition, attendees will gain tools for not only when a major raid occurs, but whenever ICE arrests or deportations affect families in our communities.
Developing our knowledge and skills will **enhance our ability to support our immigrant neighbors**. By developing these capabilities, we may also deter ICE from attempting a massive assault on our community.
**What This Event Will Offer**
In this forum, experts in the immigration field will share best practices for safeguarding our communities, preventing widespread ICE surveillance, and providing mutual aid, as well as other community organizing strategies. Topics include
– Demonstration, observation, and documentation rights
– Neighborhood organizing models
– Community mutual aid
– Rapid Response Networks
– Creating safe spaces in local businesses
– Mass surveillance and digital security, including use of automatic license plate readers (ALPRs)
– Opposing local detention centers
**Format**
This event will consist of both panel and breakout sessions.
**LEARN MORE, DO MORE**
“Protecting Our Communities from ICE” is the second presentation of Democracy Forum, a series of action-oriented events hosted by Indivisible Palo Alto Plus. Democracy Forum aims to provide a “deep dive” educational experience that will equip participants with the knowledge, skills, and tools that they need to preserve and strengthen the American democratic experiment.
**New to IPA+? Join us at 2:30pm!**
If the No Kings Day rally sparked something in you and you’re wondering what comes next, we’d love to have you join us for an **Orientation + Social** from 2:30–3:25pm, right before this event at the same location. It’s a fun, welcoming introduction to Indivisible Palo Alto Plus — a chance to meet your people, figure out where you fit in, and celebrate what we’ve built together. No experience required. All are welcome.
RSVP for the Orientation + Social → https://www.mobilize.us/ipaplus/event/929922/