Friends and meetings want to be able to support the lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security. While there is not a direct role, such as joining the suit, there are a number of important things that can be done.
DHS Lawsuit
What To Do If ICE Shows Up at Your Quaker Meeting | PYM
We are a community rooted in worship and in peace and justice. It is important for Quaker Meetings to be prepared if Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or other law enforcement officials arrive at a Meetinghouse. This guide outlines steps to protect vulnerable individuals and uphold our values of sanctuary and solidarity.
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The Decision Process of PYM’s Participation in the Suit Against the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
On January 20th the president signed an executive order rescinding a 30+ year old policy of protecting “sensitive places” and allowing agents of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to enter places of worship to detain immigrants. As a result, people of various faiths may avoid attending their houses of worship out of fear of government enforcement. This harms immigrants who feel compelled to stay home and also damages houses of worship and their members, who lose the ability to gather in worship as a community. PYM’s general secretary, Christie Duncan-Tessmer, was invited in mid-January to an informational meeting about a lawsuit that was forming to challenge the decision.
Share the Story of Your Meeting in Response of the DHS Lawsuit
As Friends continue to worship, discern, and discuss PYM’s involvement in the lawsuit with the Department of Homeland Security, we encourage Friends, members, and attenders to connect with Christie Duncan-Tessmer, General Secretary of PYM, or Nikki Mosgrove, Presiding Clerk, with any questions or needs they have.
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Key Points on the Quaker Suit Against the Department of Homeland Security
Below is essential information about the lawsuit. This may be helpful to Friends in PYM for their own understanding and for discussing the case with others, including local media.
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PYM Involvement in DHS Lawsuit
Today, PYM joined our neighbors in New England and Baltimore Yearly Meetings as plaintiffs in a lawsuit filed against the Department of Homeland Security.
Friends are encouraged to learn more information about the lawsuit in the press release from Democracy Forward which filed the suit, as well as this article at NBC News. You can read complaint, by following this link.
The suit challenges an immigration enforcement decision that interferes with and could significantly impacts freedom of religion.
