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Indybay Feature

Religious Leaders Speak Out For Immigrant Rights

by ~Bradley (bradley [at] riseup.net)
In response to raids in Santa Cruz, Watsonville and Hollister by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE aka INS, la migra) agency of the federal government, religious leaders with Communities Organized for Relational Power (COPA) held a press conference on September 13th to speak from their religious traditions about immigration. ICE sweeps, detentions and deportations, called "Operation Return to Sender," took place on September 7th and 8th according to the corporate media. However, there is also discussion in the community about federal abductions which have taken place on other days.
sylvester_9-13-06.jpg
above: Bishop Ryan Sylvester, Catholic Diocese of Monterey

Listen to an audio report which includes an interview with Bishop Ryan Sylvester and Ramiro of the Watsonville Brown Berets.

FSRN: ICE Raids Shake Up Central Coast
http://indybay.org/newsitems/2006/09/13/18310505.php

Also listen to an interview with Doug Keegan, director of the Santa Cruz County Immigration Project.

Indynewswire: Doug Keegan on ICE Raids
http://indybay.org/newsitems/2006/09/14/18311564.php

Here is more audio from the press conference:

Faith Community responds to recent Immigration Sweep
http://indybay.org/newsitems/2006/09/13/18310505.php

While people appreciated a response from the religious community, many people felt that more action should be taken by religious groups and the community as a whole. The Watsonville Brown Berets, for example, are taking proactive steps to better organize people for future state repression. Show solidarity and come out to this year's Peace and Unity March on October 7th

13TH ANNUAL PEACE AND UNITY MARCH
http://indybay.org/newsitems/2006/09/17/18312303.php
§Rabbi Richard Litvak
by ~Bradley
litvak_9-13-06.jpg
Temple Beth El, Aptos
§Rev. Joey Lee
by ~Bradley
lee_9-13-06.jpg
Associate Executive, Presbytery of San Jose
§Translation
by ~Bradley
translation_9-13-06.jpg
§Rev
by ~Bradley
rev_9-13-06.jpg
§Alec Arago
by ~Bradley
arago_9-13-06.jpg
As danielsan mentioned, "The phrase "I do not support Illegal Immigration" certainly caught my ear..."
§Group
by ~Bradley
group_9-13-06.jpg
§COPA
by ~Bradley
copa_9-13-06.jpg
§Ryan and Vinny
by ~Bradley
ryan-vinny_9-13-06.jpg
§Liz and danielsan
by ~Bradley
liz-danielsan_9-13-06.jpg
danielsan interviews Liz Shilling, codirector of the Live Oak Family Resource Center, which had been and is continuing to help several of the affected families.
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