Dear John,

We hope you are safe and well during this time.

Like you, we are incredibly heartbroken and deeply enraged by the escalating violence that ICE agents are inciting in our communities. The murder of Alex Pretti ([link removed]) in broad daylight, the federal government’s blatant lies to justify these extrajudicial killings, and the many other lives taken—on the news or not, and especially those who are BIPOC—do not make our countries safe. In fact, equitable laws and infrastructures, such as the hard-fought AB 540, are what allow communities to flourish.

Our shared sadness, rage, and sustained hope can fuel us to keep going, whatever that may look like for us. We urge you to use the various resources below to navigate through these times.


** A Few Ways To Keep Yourself, Your Loved Ones, and Your Local Community Safe
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* Know Your Rights if you encounter ICE ([link removed]) , when documenting ICE activities ([link removed]) , when stopped or detained by immigration or other law enforcement ([link removed]) , or when traveling ([link removed]) . Find more KYR resources here ([link removed]) , and look up specific laws that apply to your region.
* Consider setting up an emergency alert system on your phone (e.g., ReadyNow! ([link removed]) ), especially if you have concerns for your safety or may be at higher risk of being detained by immigration enforcement.
* Set up plans in case of an emergency: Fill out the Family Preparedness Plan ([link removed]) and Travel Preparedness Plan ([link removed]) with your loved ones.
* Familiarize yourself with local and national rapid response hotlines ([link removed]) to seek help if at risk of detention or deportation, or to report raids and missing migrants.
* Report misconduct of federal agents ([link removed]) to the CA Attorney General. The Hennepin County Attorney is exemplifying for us ([link removed]) what county and state attorneys’ offices can do to keep residents safe, and we hope more would follow suit.

Although the current times have forced us to move with much more intention, we will not be deterred from pursuing a bright and stable future for ourselves and our communities. We will continue to move forward, hope in our hands.
* Pursue higher education: Apply for the CA Dream Act ([link removed]) before the March 2 priority deadline to receive in-state tuition rates and financial aid ([link removed]) . If you’re a student outside of California, find out what’s available in your state on the Higher Ed Immigration Portal ([link removed]) .
* Seek mental health support: Our mental health and overall well-being are taking a toll, and they deserve to be nurtured whenever possible. Join programs like the Mental Health Connector ([link removed]) and Wellness Support Groups ([link removed]) to get support from providers and/or peers who understand you.
* Build a career: Career-building is more than just getting a degree. Explore the different directions you can take ([link removed]) to build a fulfilling and sustainable career pathway. Invite our trained Home Is Here Opportunity Program participants to present about this topic in your community ([link removed]) .
* Explore entrepreneurship: Generating income through entrepreneurship ([link removed]) may be possible for you. With our upcoming webinar series ([link removed]) , you can learn what option is right for you and how to get started. Topics will include requirements, compliance, funding, and many more.

Still we rise,
Your community at Immigrants Rising


** Upcoming Events
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* Acceso a Capital y Financiamiento ([link removed]) (February 4, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. PT)
* Access to Capital & Funding ([link removed]) (February 11, 1 – 2 p.m. PT)
* Impuestos y Fundamentos de Contabilidad ([link removed]) (February 18, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. PT)
* Promising Practices Roundtable: Expanding Access to Higher Education through AB 540 ([link removed]) (February 19, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. PT)
* Taxes & Bookkeeping Basics ([link removed]) (February 25, 1 – 2 p.m. PT)
* Mental Health Connector For Students in California ([link removed]) (first-come, first-served)



** New Board Chair Announcement
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As we begin a new year, Immigrants Rising is excited to welcome our newly elected Board Chair, Nicole Anand, and we are deeply grateful to Abdi Soltani for his years of leadership and stewardship through transformative moments in our organization’s journey.

After four years as Immigrants Rising’s Board Chair, Abdi stepped down from his role in December 2025 and will continue to serve as a Board Member. His leadership has played a central role throughout complex internal transitions and challenging political moments. Now, we are thrilled that Nicole will guide Immigrants Rising into its next chapter. She brings extensive experience in strategy, organizational leadership, and building initiatives at the intersection of innovation, systems change, and equity—critical qualities that will ensure Immigrants Rising can continue to deepen its policy, programmatic, and organizational impact. Read more here. ([link removed])


** Interim Director of Higher Education Steps Down
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Photo of Madeleine holding a "I heart CA Dream Act" campaign poster.

On behalf of the Immigrants Rising team, we thank Madeleine for all the heart she has poured into the programs and resources that she created as part of the Higher Education team over the past six years. While our team will miss Madeleine’s amazing foodie suggestions, learning about her travel adventures, and leadership, we are excited about her next journey. We will continue to support each other in this work across California, across higher education, and across the immigrant rights movement.

For future Immigrants Rising contacts regarding higher education, please email:
* Laura Monica, Director of Programs, at [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) for general inquiries about our Higher Education work or offerings
* Rocio, Career Pathways Innovation Strategist, at [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) for questions about our Promising Practices Roundtables or UndocuDigest
* Daniela, Policy Advocacy Senior Manager, at [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) for policy or advocacy efforts



** Media Updates
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Our Statement on Governor’s Proposed 2026-27 State Budget ([link removed])
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Holding the Line: Resistance, Care, and the Future We’re Building ([link removed])
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Advocates Call for a State Budget that Provides Greater Resources for Immigrant Communities in California ([link removed])
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Donate ([link removed])

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Immigrants Rising
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