/Communities scramble to help after Mississippi immigration raids

Communities scramble to help after Mississippi immigration raids

Local churches, community members, and local organizations are working together to create relief plans for the affected. However, concrete plans are still not in place. More than 650 Homeland Security Investigations agents executed federal and administrative criminal search warrants in relation to immigration violations in Morton and Carthage. While many people were released on Thursday morning, nearly 400 are still in custody. Julio Del Castillo, president of Latin American Betterment Association (LABALink), told Mississippi Today on Thursday that people are still working to create help centers for food banks, donations, and other services. However this work is far from complete. He stated that the best way to help the community is to give food and basic necessities to them, as well as provide a way for them to pay their monthly bills. Joanna King, director for communications at the Catholic Diocese in Jackson, said that financial donations were the best way to help the families affected. King stated that they are currently working to establish a fund that people can donate to via the diocese’s website. King said that the website should be updated tonight or tomorrow morning, with a link to make a donation to this cause. Because these people were working, financial concern is important. Although many bills were paid by the start of the month, the situation will be different by the end. King stated that the phone was ringing constantly with inquiries regarding the recent ICE raid. It’s almost like disaster relief. The diocese is also coordinating and expanding a full legal team to assist migrants. King stated that parishes are not only lending material support but also trying to comfort families affected by the crisis. She said that staff from some parishes were just trying to alleviate sadness in certain communities and let people know that they are loved. One parish, Sacred Heart Catholic Church of Canton, will host a Sunday event for detained children. King stated that the event was to let children know they are loved, people are praying for them, and to lift their spirits. Mississippi Department of Child Protective Services does not accept donations at the moment. However, they stated in a press release that anyone with information about a child left behind or affected by the ICE raids should call 1-800-222-8000. Lea Anne Brandon is the communications director for Child Protection Services. She stated that while we are receiving many calls asking for help and donations, we are not currently accepting any because no children have been referred. It can be difficult for school districts to determine how many students are affected and what they can do to help. Tony McGee, Scott County Superintendent, said that it is different from when a tornado hits and that you can see the immediate needs. “In this instance people tend to withdraw,” McGee stated. The district is still trying to determine what the immediate needs are. “All children were placed in safe homes last night, as far as I can tell. McGee stated that they are sending people out to knock on doors to make sure children are safe and to let them know that school is safe. Warren Woodrow, West Jasper School District superintendent, told Mississippi Today that “no children have been affected here” and did not respond immediately to a request for comment. The Jackson Public School District stated in a statement that it is committed to providing education for all children, regardless of their immigration status or origin. The district stated that it is working closely with MIRA (Mississippi Immigrants Rights Alliance) and other community partners to provide resources to support all students and their families. MIRA can be reached at 601-968-5118 if anyone needs assistance or counsel regarding immigration. MIRA also established a gofundme for legal assistance. Along with local organizations, the ACLU of Mississippi created a hotline to help those who were affected by the detentions. It can be reached at 978-993-3300. This report was contributed by Kelsey Davis, Larrison Campbell and others.