COACHELLA, CA–Local communities have shown an outpouring of support and welcome for the refugee families, in contrast to the hostility shown by anti-immigrant groups in Murrieta. One example of this is the generous outpouring of financial support from the community of Coachella which donated nearly $5000 to members of the Comité Latino outside the Our Lady of Solitude Catholic Church on July 5.
“Our biggest concern is to make sure that the arriving immigrant families are safe, that their rights and privacy are respected, and that they have access to due process while they are still detained, said Jennaya Dunlap, a volunteer with the Inland Empire Rapid Response Network.
On July 9, as part of a national effort to hold vigils and actions to support the refugee families, a vigil was organized in the Murrieta town square which featured the testimony of refugee families, and Faith leaders from diverse communities. No hostility was expressed towards participants at the vigil.
On July 21, 2014, the Justice For Immigrants of Inland California (JFIC) announced it would shift its focus to raising monetary donations and resources to assist the migrant families and children remaining in the Inland Empire with the legal services as well as political advocacy in the near future.
“It’s a very complex issue but we’re all on the same page. We don’t agree with the stance and sentiment of the anti-immigrant right. We don’t agree with the stance from President Obama of seeking more funding and resources to expedite deportations of these migrant families and children. We don’t agree with recalcitrant measures which only create a wider divide on this issue, tear families apart and put lives in jeopardy,” said Fernando Romero, JFIC Lead Coordinator.
For those interested in providing monetary donations to assist with legal services, make checks payable to San Bernardino Community Service Center and/or donate directly into the account:
Solidarity with the Migrant Families
San Bernardino Community Service Center Inc.
Wells Fargo Bank
Account Number: 5567058614
