What: Press conference against Arizona SB 1070
When: Tuesday, April 27th, 11 AM
Where: St Francis Church, 1131 SE Oak St, Portland, Oregon (the corner of 12th and Pine)
Portland day laborer and faith, immigrant, and civil rights advocates are joining in a national day of action against Arizona SB 1070, which requires local law enforcement agencies to enforce federal immigration law and interrogate, and even jail, people based on whether they “look” undocumented.
SB 1070 was passed by the Arizona Legislature and approved by Arizona Governor Jan Brewer on April 23rd, 2010. Portland advocates, concerned about the precedent set by the bill, will hold a press conference on the heels of her decision. Throughout the nation, community groups in over 10 cities will hold local events and coordinate advocacy efforts to “uncover the truth” on these dangerous programs.
“Arizona SB 1070 gives police a mandate to racially profile,” stated Romeo Sosa, Executive Director of VOZ. “We are standing in solidarity with the people of Arizona against this bill, and calling for a moratorium on collaboration of local law enforcement with ICE.”
Locally, the recent introduction of the Secure Communities program into Clackamas County Jail raises the stakes in Oregon for similar collaboration between ICE and local law enforcement officials.
The press conference is organized by the Portland Immigrant Rights Coalition. For more information, contact Marco Mejia at 503.740.8035 or mejiayep@yahoo.com.