Dear Friend,

There is no denying that yesterday was brutal for immigrant children, their families, communities and allies.

Within a few hours of Trump's inauguration as President, he attacked birthright citizenship, shut down the Southern Border, suspended the ability of refugees to enter the United States and be safe from persecution, dissolved the task force in charge of reunifying families who were ripped apart during Trump's first term, and signed additional Executive Orders that will directly and indirectly impact our work with immigrant children and families.

We also know that ICE raids will be executed in fourteen cities as early as today.

This collection of extreme anti-immigrant policies will only exacerbate suffering and chaos at the southern border and across communities in the United States.

And that's the thing, friend. Suffering, chaos, and confusion is the point.

With Congress showing nothing but outright antipathy for immigrant families and children, we need to remember one thing: We are each other's best and first line of defense against extremism and hate. How we show up for our immigrant friends, families, and colleagues now will impact how we build a long-term strategy that meets our current moment.

Here's what you can do:

Find your local immigrant rights/immigrant led organization and ask how you can help.
Share your support for immigrant children and communities on social media.
Show up when there are actions or protests in your community. Here's some useful information on how you can keep yourself and others safe.

We know that the Trump administration's intent is to harm. But it is also to overwhelm.

Our intent must be to look at ourselves and our power. And join together to fight back.”.