City Asheville City Council issues statement regarding ICE operations in Asheville area

ASHEVILLE -- PRESS RELEASE Asheville City Council April 19, 2018 

City Council issues statement regarding ICE operations in Asheville area

A joint statement
by Asheville City Council

In light of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations in Western North Carolina this week, we understand many members of our community, especially our Latinx community, may be afraid. As your elected leaders, we want everyone to feel that Asheville is a welcoming community and we care about all of our residents.

City Council has long supported the civil liberties of Asheville residents. In 2003, Council passed Resolution 13-227 Endorsing the Protection of Civil Liberties of All Citizens and we stand by that resolution. As a City we do not discriminate based on immigration or citizenship status.

Here is a copy of the resolution: Asheville Civil Liberties Resolution 13-227

The Asheville Police Department has not participated in these operations in any manner.

Where to go for information and assistance
For those affected by the ICE arrests, we'd like to make them aware of resources available.

Asheville organization Mountain Partners in Action (CIMA) works to help families facing immigration issues. Visit http://cimawnc.org/ or call 828-713-5124.

Pisgah Legal Services can answer questions regarding immigrations status. Their number is 828-253-0406.
Anyone looking for information about a person in ICE custody can contact the ICE Detention Reporting and Information Line by dialing -888-351-4024. The line is staffed by live operators from 8 am to 8 pm Monday through Friday.
More information is available online: ICE Government Detention Information Line

What we can do as a community

Acknowledge that there are families being separated and traumatized. Children are afraid that when they return from their parent (s) will not be home. How can you pay attention and perform well at school when also walking around with these fears?
Show compassion to people affected by ICE operations.
Value of inclusion, regardless of immigration or citizenship status.
Share the message that we as a community stand up for the civil rights of all residents.
Understand that when one group or segment of our Asheville community is in crisis, we are all impacted.
Those who want to support families impacted in solidarity can call the CIMA hotline 888-839-2839 about volunteer opportunities.

The City Council of Asheville
issued a statement on ICE operations
in the Asheville area

In light of the operations of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Service (ICE) in Western North Carolina this week, we understand that many members of our community, especially our Latino community, may feel fear. As elected leaders, we want everyone to feel that Asheville is a welcoming community and that we care about all of our inhabitants.

The City has long supported the civil liberties of the people of Asheville. In 2003, the Council approved Resolution 13-227, Support for the Protection of Civil Liberties of All Citizens and we support that resolution (attached). As a City, we do not discriminate based on immigration status or citizenship.

The Asheville Police Department has not participated in these operations in any way.

Where to go for information and help

For the people affected by the ICE arrests, we would like you to know the available resources.

The Asheville Partners of Migrants from the Mountains in Action (CIMA) organization works to help families facing immigration problems. Visit Cimawnc.org or call 828-713-5124.

Pisgah Legal Services can answer questions about your immigration status. Your number is 828-253-0406.

Anyone seeking information about someone who is being held by ICE may contact the ICE Complaint and Information Line for Detention by dialing 888-351-4024. The line has active operators from 8 am to 8 pm Monday through Friday. More information is available on the website: https://www.ice.gov/contact/detention-information-line.

What can we do as a community

Recognize that there are separate and traumatized families. Children are afraid that when they return from school their parents are no longer at home. How can you pay attention and perform well in school when these fears come?
Show compassion for the people affected by the ICE operations.
Value inclusion, regardless of immigration status or citizenship.
Share the message that we, as a community, defend the civil rights of all our inhabitants.
Understand that when a group or segment of our community in Asheville is in crisis, we are all shocked.
Those who want to support the impacted families in solidarity can call the CIMA hotline 888-839-2839 about volunteer opportunities.