Migrawatch forum brings immigrants, activists, lawyers and religious leaders

On March 30, over 200 people gathered at Saint Patrick’s Church in Watsonville Calif., for an immigration forum

organized by Migrawatch.

Migrawatch is a coalition that came together in the wake of a series of immigration raids that took over 100 people from central coast communities in September 2006. Migrawatch seeks justice in the community and accountability for the brutal and racist activities of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency.

The event featured a panel of immigration experts, lawyers and local religious leaders.

Gloria la Riva, a national organizer for the ANSWER Coalition (Act Now to Stop War and End Racism) and a member of the Party for Socialism and Liberation, spoke to the crowed auditorium about the historical repression of the immigrant community and the joint struggle that all workers, documented or undocumented share against the capitalist class.

A panel of lawyers answered questions and gave information about people’s rights in the event of another raid.

Migrawatch activists from all over the central coast pledged their continued commitment to document and protect the community from the harassment of ICE.

Concluding the event, Teatro Sin Fronterras preformed a skit detailing Migrawatch’s intended response to another raid. It highlighted the use of a hotline telephone number set up by the group and the involvement of local activists and community members in providing safe houses for undocumented workers.

For more information on Migrawatch: www.migrawatch.org