There’s been a lot of “bad news” since January 20th.
In better news this week: Chelsea and Somerville filed a federal lawsuit challenging the Trump Administration’s efforts to coerce them into participating in mass deportation efforts. Represented by Lawyers for Civil Rights, the Cities assert that the Administration’s heavy-handed tactics—threatening to strip sanctuary cities of federal funding and prosecute them for failing to bend to the President’s will—violate their Constitutional rights. Read more
Also in better news, a federal judge blocked immigration enforcement at some houses of worship. The preliminary injunction only applies to the plaintiffs’ houses of worship: Quaker, Baptist, and Sikh.
These examples highlight how important it is right now for faith-based organizations, non-profits, local government and individuals to remain steadfast and not hesitate to challenge the attacks on our communities and our rights that just keep on coming from the new administration. Rather than allowing ourselves to feel overwhelmed, or letting the absolutely ridiculous and obviously unconstitutional nature of these attacks lull us into a false sense of security (“they can’t really do that, can they?”) we must ALL rise to the occasion. RIGHT NOW.
They also demonstrate that not only do we have the power to fight – WE CAN WIN. Bravo to these municipalities and faith groups, for recognizing their responsibility to the people they represent, for refusing to capitulate the way so many corporations have been doing, seemingly at the slightest encouragement.
Another example of bravery and commitment to the values we hold dear is Boston’s own Mayor Wu. As a result of her progressive track record and public refusal to sacrifice her responsibility as a steward of the city of Boston and a representative of the people of Boston, Mayor Wu has been targeted, insulted and threatened by the Trump administration, most notably by the “border czar” Tom Homan.
Mayor Wu has been called before Congress to testify on Boston’s Trust Act and the moves the city has made to separate itself from the enforcement of federal civil laws. The Mayor has agreed to testify and she has responded publicly by saying in part, “From the beginning, it’s clear that Boston’s progress may seem threatening to some. We are a community here that prioritizes investing in every generation, being welcoming, inclusive, and then having the receipts and the results to show that that is a way of serving everyone even better.”
As Mayor Wu gets prepared to testify and provide a strong defense of the way we do things here in Boston, MIRA is asking members of our community to thank Mayor Wu for standing up for our shared values.
Join us March 5 11am to 1pm in front of City Hall to demonstrate our support for Mayor Wu, and to show that Boston and all of MA is indeed a community of people who have the courage to welcome.