Bearing Witness @ ICE every Wednesday
We invite you to stand in solidarity outside the ICE Enforcement & Removal Operations Office in Burlington every Wednesday from 11am-1pm. Together, we can show love & support for immigrants, express our shame at ICE, and bear witness to the cruel and unconstitutional actions of our government. Regardless of your views on any other political issues, if you support immigrants and their constitutional rights and are committed to nonviolence you are welcome to join.
Location
ICE Enforcement & Removal Operations Office
1000 District Avenue Burlington MA 01803
Schedule (every Wednesday)
11:00-11:30, Welcome chat; announcements; guest speakers
11:30-12:30, Stand or sit with signs; option to read the U.S. Constitution to ICE
12:30-1:00, Short march along the sidewalk on District Ave
What happens at this ICE office?
At this central facility for the New England region, ICE agents are deployed in unmarked vehicles to abduct immigrants across Rhode Island, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, and Vermont. When an immigrant in Massachusetts is arrested, they are often taken to this facility for processing, where they are denied due process. Previously, this location was for temporary holding with no overnight detention, but this is no longer the case. Immigrants are now being detained for days in cells with no beds, no windows, no clocks, no soap, no showers, and hardly any food or water. Each cell is filled with dozens of immigrants, and there is a toilet sitting out in the open. The immigrants are not allowed outdoor time. In addition to those being imprisoned, throughout the day, families and individuals arrive at this office for mandatory appointments. The building has tinted windows, no signage, and is situated in a large office park. Department of Homeland Security officers and Burlington Police, respectively, have affirmed that we have the right to protest peacefully outside this facility.
What to expect when bearing witness?
We are committed to nonviolence, and we stand peacefully with signs outside the facility. We do not block the entrance, we do not physically approach ICE agents as they walk to/from the parking lot, and we do not block traffic on District Ave. Immigrants who are fortunate to leave the facility have shown gratitude for our presence and some share their stories with us. ICE agents tend to cover their faces with masks, many record us with their phones, others give a satisfied smile or laugh, they rarely say anything. The security officers stationed at the front of the building have not hassled us in any way. Passersby from nearby businesses often thank us for being there, and many have shared that they never knew this was an ICE facility.
Signs
We're hoping that all signs can be specifically about supporting immigrants and the Constitution, and/or expressing shame at ICE. This is a very targeted action outside the ICE facility, so it's not the venue for protesting other causes. Even though we care deeply about other issues, while outside ICE we must remain focused on immigration. Our goal is to come together across any political differences to show our collective support for immigrants and their rights.
Food collection
Each week we collect food, household, and health items to donate to local food pantries and to offer immigrants who are arriving for appointments at the facility. We have donated more than 4,000 lbs of food so far. All attendees are invited to bring unopened food/health/household items.
Parking and other tips
Park with caution and creativity. The lots closest to ICE -- the FAA lot beside ICE and the BAE Systems lot directly across the street from ICE -- have been blocked off on Wednesdays by National Development, the corporation that manages most of the properties on District Ave. The Burlington Mall followed suit and threatens to tow anyone who parks in their lots and walks toward the ICE building. Organizers are working on this parking challenge, and in the meantime we recommend you get creative with your parking choices. There are restaurants nearby (Clover, Pressed Cafe, Chipotle) to get food and use the bathroom. Before arriving, please consider your own self-preservation (citizenship status) and self-care (sunscreen, hydration, etc.).
Join the email list
If you would like to receive updates on Bearing Witness @ ICE, add your email below to join our list. Our numbers continue to grow, and we hope you can join us.
Take care,
Bearing Witness @ ICE organizers
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Joe
Siderea, Sibylla Bostoniensis
mem_somerville
AIF-Massachusetts
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