Help Raise Money to Assist Families Affected by ICE Detention
This coming Wednesday, 9/5, join DSA SF at the Knockout at 9:30 PM to dance and raise money for families affected by what’s happened with the West County Detention Center. Event info here. Here’s some quick information to explain why this is so important:
What is the West County Detention Center?
The West County Detention Center (WCDC) is the jail used by Contra Costa County to incarcerate people arrested within the county. Contra Costa County has been contracting with ICE to house ICE detainees. In early June, after tireless work from many community organizations, Contra Costa County announced they were breaking their contract with ICE.
Who is affected by what’s happening at WCDC?
As the contract with ICE is ending, many of the roughly 150 ICE detainees at WCDC are slated for transfer to other detention centers around the country, some as far away as Colorado. Obviously this affects the family, friends, and community of those incarcerated as they are being removed from their support system and legal defense by moving them so far away.
Why are people raising money for the West County Community Detention Center Community Fund?
Many of the ICE detainees are eligible for cash bail, but cannot provide the funds to be released on bond. A coalition of community groups in the East Bay, led by Freedom for Immigrants, is raising funds to get these detainees released on bond before they are transferred away from their community.
Why is this an event folks from DSA SF are supporting?
Helping all members of our community regardless of their background or country of origin should be part of any socialist movement. Working in solidarity with other community groups to help keep families and communities together truly benefits all of us.
What are the details of the fundraiser next week?
The fundraiser for the West County Detention Facility Community Fund is Wednesday 9/5/18 at the Knockout, 3223 Mission Street San Francisco. Suggested donation is $3-$20 at the door. We will be providing the ability to donate directly to the organization electronically as well.
How can someone get more involved helping immigrant families?
There are a number of long-standing community groups working for change at WCDC:
- Freedom For Immigrants was instrumental in getting the ICE contract ended. They have an upcoming volunteer training on September 11th.
- The Interfaith Coalition for Human Rights holds a monthly vigil at WCDC usually on the first Saturday of the month. Check their page for details.
- Another excellent group that has worked to improve conditions for detainees as well as advocate for release is the Contra Costa Immigrants Rights Alliance.
- To get more involved with DSA and how we support this work, please contact immigration@dsasf.org.
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