Communities are organizing against the horror of ICE raids by masked people who do not present with any probable cause

Echo opinion letter published in the News-Press Glendale California weekly newspaper:

As a longtime resident of Glendale and the parent of two children currently attending GUSD (Glenndale Unified School District) schools, I would like to thank the city of Glendale and the school district for their commitment to the safety of all Glendale residents, regardless of their citizenship status.

All children, according to board policy, have the right to attend school and feel safe, irrespective of their immigration status, and I am proud and thankful to our community for standing up to the recent divisive, anti-immigrant actions of this current administration. Thank you, Darneika Wilson and others in GUSD, for boldly speaking up for all students and their families.

Additionally, I am grateful to the city for their decision to end their contract with ICE to hold detainees. As part of a sanctuary county and state, this flew in the face of the core values of our community, and I am thankful that our city chose to listen to the chorus of opposition to this unjust policy.

Glendale is an immigrant city. What makes our town special is its vibrant diversity and compassion. Following the devastation of the recent wildfires, we came together in various grassroots movements to support one another, and our bonds with our neighbors are stronger than ever. We will not abandon them now.

From Kristine Kimmel in Glendale, California