Community Call to Action - Responding to ICE

Community Call to Action - Responding to ICE - February 3, 2026 Forum

Updated 15 days ago

In 'Community Call to Action: Responding to ICE,' community leaders gather in Kalamazoo to address the threat of ICE enforcement actions. The panel provides guidance on civil rights, community response strategies, and legislative efforts aimed at protecting immigrants. They urge residents to stay informed, connected, and ready to act in defense of their neighbors. The event emphasizes unity and preparation, encouraging community members to document ICE activities, engage with elected officials, and support each other amidst challenging times.

Chapters

Introduction and Emotional State (00:00:01)
Dawn Matco introduces herself and expresses feelings of anger, sadness, fear, and exhaustion shared by everyone in the room.

Dawn Matco introduces herself and immediately shares her emotional state, describing feelings of anger, sadness, and fear. She expresses being exhausted to her core and acknowledges that she is not alone in these feelings, as everyone in the room experiences them too.
Critique of Current Events (00:00:19)
Dawn states that what is happening in the country is not normal or acceptable, and it is not American.

Dawn highlights that the current events being witnessed in the country are abnormal, unacceptable, and un-American. She emphasizes the severity of the situation and the need for awareness.
ICE as a Secret Police Force (00:00:31)
Dawn describes ICE as operating like a secret police force, acting without transparency, accountability, or consequences.

Dawn criticizes ICE for becoming unrecognizable and dangerous, operating like a secret police force. She points out their lack of transparency, accountability, and the frequent absence of consequences for their actions.
ICE's Impact on Families and Human Rights (00:01:04)
Dawn discusses the human rights violations by ICE, including family separations and poor conditions in ICE facilities.

Dawn details the severe impact of ICE's actions on families and individuals, highlighting the separation of children from their parents, the overcrowded and unsanitary conditions of ICE facilities, and the neglect of medical emergencies, leading to suffering and death.
Responsibility to Act and Protest (00:02:01)
Dawn calls on ordinary people to stand up, speak out, and protect each other against the current regime.

Dawn emphasizes the responsibility of ordinary people to take action, stand up, and speak out against the current regime's actions. She criticizes the Republicans for supporting the Trump administration, which she describes as violating the Constitution and the rights of innocent people.
The Importance of Recording and Truth (00:03:32)
Dawn stresses the importance of recording ICE agents' actions and the power of video evidence in uncovering the truth.

Dawn argues that it is vital to safely record ICE agents' actions to ensure transparency and accountability. She stresses that video evidence is crucial in revealing the truth and preventing lies from being accepted. She calls for protection of those filming and standing for marginalized communities.
Call for Protection of Protesters' Rights (00:05:01)
Dawn questions whether local authorities will protect protestors' rights against ICE actions.

Dawn questions local authorities, asking if they will provide protection for protestors' rights, including the right to protest peacefully and exercise the First Amendment rights without fear of violence. She emphasizes the importance of protecting people over power.
Community and Panel Introduction (00:05:34)
The Do Something Committee introduces the panelists and outlines the procedure for the event.

The Do Something Committee introduces the panelists, including Sheriff Rick Fuller, Lily Eggers from the ACLU, Vice Mayor Drew Duncan, and Representative Julie Rogers. The committee explains the procedure for asking questions and emphasizes the importance of community action.
Panelists' Opening Statements (00:08:43)
Panelists provide their opening statements, expressing their roles and commitment to civil rights.

Each panelist, including Vice Mayor Drew Duncan, Lily Eggers from the ACLU, Representative Julie Rogers, and Sheriff Rick Fuller, provides an opening statement, explaining their roles and expressing their commitment to civil rights and community protection.
Discussion on Knowing Your Rights (00:19:00)
Panelists discuss the importance of knowing and exercising rights when dealing with ICE and law enforcement.

The panelists discuss the importance of knowing and exercising one's rights when interacting with ICE and law enforcement. They emphasize the right to remain silent, the importance of recording interactions, and the necessity of asking for judicial warrants. They also discuss the challenges faced when rights are not respected, highlighting the need for both legal awareness and practical safety measures during high-tension situations.
Addressing Unprecedented Times (00:31:29)
A lawmaker speaks about the challenges of modern times, expressing concerns about public safety and personal threats.

The speaker addresses the audience, stating that these are unprecedented times and we need to look out for each other. They express sadness about not having all the answers and share a personal account of facing threats in their role as a lawmaker.
Community Support and Lawmaker Safety (00:32:03)
The speaker highlights the importance of community support and the role of law enforcement in ensuring lawmaker safety.

The speaker mentions threats at the state capitol and acknowledges the partnership with Sheriff Fuller in ensuring lawmaker safety. They express encouragement from community turnout at a national press conference.
ACLU and Knowing Your Rights (00:32:33)
An ACLU representative discusses the importance of knowing your rights and planning in case of arrest or detention.

The ACLU emphasizes the importance of knowing your rights, acknowledging that rights are violated daily. They advise making a plan in case of arrest or detention, especially for those most at risk, and offer resources with the Michigan Immigrant Rights Center.
Resources for Immigrant Families (00:33:12)
A guide is available for immigrant families to prepare for possible detainment, with resources provided by ACLU and partners.

The ACLU, along with the Michigan Immigrant Rights Center, has created a guide for immigrant families to prepare in case of detention. The guide is available in multiple languages, and resources are provided, including QR codes for accessing materials.
Community Participation and Mutual Aid (00:34:06)
The importance of community involvement and mutual aid in supporting undocumented neighbors is discussed.

The speaker encourages community participation in mutual aid circles, especially in neighborhoods with undocumented residents. They emphasize the significance of community-driven efforts to prevent ICE actions, highlighting the need for vigilance and solidarity.
Strategies Against ICE Actions (00:35:01)
Strategies to obstruct ICE operations include community actions and learning key phrases in Spanish to help neighbors.

The speaker outlines various strategies to obstruct ICE operations, such as not allowing agents to sleep, jamming car reservations, and ensuring community involvement. They stress the importance of learning Spanish phrases to assist neighbors.
Community Resilience and Legal Preparedness (00:36:02)
The importance of community resilience and legal preparedness in the face of immigration enforcement is emphasized.

Community members are urged to be resilient and proactive, with advice on creating legal plans and documenting encounters with ICE. The speaker, formerly an organizer, calls for community-driven efforts to resist unjust actions.
ICE Presence and Community Awareness (00:37:12)
Discussion on how to identify ICE presence and the importance of credible sources for information on ICE activities.

The panel discusses how to know when ICE is present in the community and the importance of relying on credible sources. They mention ongoing efforts at various governmental levels to address ICE conduct and emphasize community vigilance.
Police and Community Cooperation (00:38:12)
Local law enforcement cooperation and strategies to verify ICE operations are outlined.

A police representative describes the collaborative efforts with ICE to verify their operations and ensure community safety. They highlight procedures to confirm ICE presence and encourage community members to report suspicious activities.
Legislative Efforts to Protect Rights (00:39:59)
Legislative measures are being introduced to protect rights and address concerns about ICE actions and law enforcement conduct.

Lawmakers are introducing bills to codify constitutional protections, prevent racial profiling, and restrict ICE actions in sensitive areas. Resolutions are also being used to call for federal accountability.
Understanding Immigration Enforcement Agencies (00:41:51)
Differences between immigration enforcement agencies like ICE and CBP are explained, along with legislative advocacy efforts.

The panel clarifies the roles of ICE and CBP, emphasizing the need for community awareness and legislative advocacy. They encourage contacting senators to support bills that protect immigrant rights and privacy.
Community Actions and Legislative Advocacy (00:43:51)
Community actions and legislative advocacy are crucial for addressing surveillance and protecting immigrant communities.

The panel discusses the importance of community actions, such as creating rapid response networks, and legislative advocacy to address surveillance technologies and support immigrant communities.
Surveillance Concerns and Privacy Protection (00:45:12)
Concerns about increased surveillance and steps to protect privacy are addressed with practical recommendations.

Panelists discuss the importance of protecting privacy in the face of increased surveillance, such as disabling facial recognition and being mindful of social media usage. Legislative efforts to regulate surveillance technologies are highlighted.
Protecting Personal Information (00:46:54)
Practical advice on protecting personal information and the introduction of bills to regulate surveillance technologies are shared.

Speakers provide advice on securing personal information, such as disabling location sharing on apps and being cautious with social media. They mention new bills being introduced to regulate surveillance technologies and protect privacy.
Making a Legal Plan (00:48:51)
Having a legal plan and knowing who to contact in case of detention is crucial for protecting immigrant rights.

The panel provides guidance on preparing a legal plan, including memorizing attorney numbers and knowing who to contact if detained. They emphasize the importance of being prepared and having a clear plan in place.
Community Support and Long-term Effects (00:50:12)
The long-term effects of immigration enforcement on communities and the importance of community support are discussed.

The panel discusses the long-term impacts of immigration enforcement, such as economic effects and community isolation. They stress the importance of community support, mutual aid, and strategic planning to address these challenges.
Access to Education and Trusted Information (01:02:03)
Discussion on the importance of accessing education and the role of schools in communities, highlighting the need for trusted information.

The segment begins with a discussion about the fundamental right to education and the myriad of reasons families rely on schools. It emphasizes the importance of not just educational content but also the trust and reliability schools provide as a source of information. The conversation points out that beyond academics, schools are pillars in communities for various needs, and accessing them is crucial for children's development.
Overwhelmed by Information and Self-Care (01:02:23)
Speakers discuss being overwhelmed with information and emphasize self-care and pacing amidst societal pressures.

The speakers talk about the feeling of being inundated with information, likening it to 'drinking from a fire hose.' They stress the importance of finding trusted sources and taking care of oneself mentally and physically. The discussion touches on how societal pressures can manifest as physical symptoms, and the need to pace oneself and reduce anxiety by limiting news intake.
The Role of Arts in Mental Health (01:02:55)
The conversation highlights the rejuvenating power of the arts in improving mental health and providing emotional relief.

One of the speakers shares a personal experience of attending a musical performance, emphasizing how the arts can rejuvenate the soul and provide a much-needed escape from daily stress. The discussion suggests looking towards creative outlets as a means of healing and coping with the challenges of modern life.
Importance of Voting and Civic Engagement (01:03:18)
The speakers stress the critical importance of voting and civic engagement to maintain democracy and influence change.

The segment focuses on the significance of voting, especially in turbulent times. Speakers urge the audience to ensure they are registered to vote and to encourage others to participate in elections, highlighting that every vote matters and can impact democracy. The segment ends with a hopeful note about communities coming together to support democratic processes.
Lessons from Past Protests and Civic Engagement (01:07:02)
Reflecting on past protests, the speakers discuss the importance of civic engagement and learning from history.

This section reflects on historical protests, such as those following George Floyd's murder, and how communities and law enforcement have responded. The speakers emphasize learning from past mistakes, the importance of engagement, and protecting the rights of all individuals, even those with differing opinions. They discuss the need for safety and respect during civic actions and the importance of listening to diverse voices.
Documenting and Bearing Witness (01:12:02)
The importance of documentation during critical events is discussed as a way to bear witness and hold power accountable.

The discussion centers on the crucial role of documenting events, like the murder of George Floyd, to ensure accountability and historical record. Documenting is framed as an active form of participation, serving as evidence in a world where many events go unnoticed without it. The speakers urge everyone to bear witness and use documentation as a tool for justice.
Reflecting on Government Power and Community Responsibility (01:24:58)
A discussion on the limits of government power and the community's role in holding authorities accountable.

The speakers reflect on the theme of government power and its limits, especially concerning communities with limited political power. They discuss the importance of community vigilance and standing together to protect vulnerable members from overreach by authorities. The call to action is for communities to remain engaged and ensure that governmental actions do not erode civil liberties.

Conversations for Change (3 Episodes)

Updated 15 days ago

Local forums and discussions focusing on the Greater Kalamazoo community.