June 12 marks the two-year anniversary of the immigration raid on Portland’s Del Monte Produce processing plant, where more than 160 people were detained on charges of working in the U.S. illegally. Some of the women remain here, in the process of fighting deportation but unable to work and support themselves in the meantime. (For more on where the remaining workers stand today, see Street Roots’ recent coverage.)
The women who are still here formed the Committee for Solidarity and Mutual Support, which will host several events to recognize the anniversary of the raid.
From their bulletin:
The Committee for Solidarity and Mutual Support (CSAM), together with the Immigrant Pro-Rights Coalition and the New Sanctuary in Portland, cordially invite you to join us in our effort to NOT forget the tragedy that took place on June 12th, 2007, in which we were among the 160 people that were detained during a migration raid in the Del Monte Produce Plant.
June 12th will be the second anniversary not only of the raid itself, but of the resistance effort that has emerged as a result of the raid. In a relatively short period of time, we, the remaining victims of the raid, have come together to face our feelings of fear and hope; we have educated ourselves and others about our rights; we have pooled our resources in order to support each other economically; and we have founded the Committee for Solidarity and Mutual Support (CSAM) which serves as a space for the people and families who were victims of the raid to express, receive, and give mutual support.
And so we invite you to join us in the activities that will take place in Portland to observe the anniversary of the Del Monte raid and recognize the efforts of the victims. There will also be commemorative events in other parts of the country including Tucson, AZ, and the central valley of California where there will be educational activities and screenings of our documentary film entitled “Frozen Dreams.”
Thursday, June 11: Interfaith service organized by the New Sanctuary Movement of Oregon. For more information: portlandsanctuary@gmail.com or call 503-550-3510
Saturday, June 13: Presentation of the film “Frozen Dreams.” 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. PCC Cascade Campus, Terry Hall 122 (map). $10 admission supports the work of CSAM.