8/23 Press Conference: Community Groups Launch Immigrant Rights Network

SUPERVISOR DALY STANDS WITH COMMUNITY GROUPS IN DENOUNCING HARRASSMENT OF IMMIGRANTS BY LOCAL POLICE


MEDIA ADVISORY
Contact: Rachel Redondiez


Tuesday, August 22, 2006
415-554-7973


SUPERVISOR DALY STANDS WITH COMMUNITY GROUPS IN DENOUNCING HARRASSMENT OF
IMMIGRANTS BY LOCAL POLICE

Community Groups Launch Immigrant Rights Network Amidst Complaints of
Police Racial Profiling and Discrimination Against Immigrant Residents

SAN FRANCISCO— On Wednesday, August 23rd District 6 Supervisor Chris Daly
will join community groups to call on the City to safeguard immigrants
against discrimination and harassment.
Press Conference
12 noon, August 23rd
City Hall Steps, Polk Street Side

Last month, a Latina woman who is a legal permanent resident was stopped by
a police officers in the Tenderloin and interrogated regarding her
immigration status. The woman, a Mission resident, was demeaned regarding
her English proficiency, was severely traumatized from the experience, and
have since been fearful of leaving her apartment.

Supervisor Daly and community organizations are concerned that the current
immigration debate and the pending Federal immigration legislation are
escalating the stereotyping and scapegoating of immigrants and increasing
misinformation and mistreatment of people of color in the City.

“San Francisco would not be the great City that it is if not for the many
immigrant communities which make up the rich fabric of our neighborhoods.
This kind of interrogation and harassment from a local police officer is
unacceptable.” says Supervisor Chris Daly.

As Chair of the City’s Budget and Finance Committee, Supervisor Daly lead
the effort to include close to 1 million dollars in the City’s budget to
provide for legal representation and increased language and information
services to ensure that immigrant communities and the City in general are
well-prepared for any changes if Federal immigration law.

A coalition of grassroots, social servie, and legal service group will
announce the launch of a new Immigrant Rights Network in San Francisco,
working to locally combat the attacks on immigrants. Members include
Asian Pacific Legal Outreach, the Asian Law Caucus, Chinese for Affirmative
Action, La Raza Centro Legal, Filipino Community Center, PODER, St. Peter’s
Housing. The network will also announce a new initiative to have local law
enforcement comply with San Francisco ordinances.

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______________________________________
Rachel R. Redondiez
Legislative Aide
Office of District 6 Supervisor Chris Daly
San Francisco Board of Supervisors
(415)554-7973 Office
(415)554-7974 Fax