Catholic Charities, Others Step Up to Assist Undocumented

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In the face of renewed threats of federal deportation raids by the Trump administration, immigrant rights advocates here in the North Bay are stepping up assistance to those who may be targeted.

In the month of July, Catholic Charities of Santa Rosa will hold a series of what they call “know your rights” training sessions at churches throughout the county.

The meetings are designed to help undocumented residents understand their rights to due process and legal representation in the event they or their families are approached by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents.

Although Catholic Charities is among agencies that regularly provide immigration services, the July sessions were spurred in part by renewed federal calls for enforcement raids, and the fear those threats caused in the Sonoma County undocumented community.

The North Bay Organizing Project is another regional group working to provide undocumented and other immigrants with knowledge and services.

Catholic Charities chief program officer Jennielynn Homes says the July meetings, as well as information cards to be handed out to immigrants, are meant to empower families who otherwise may not understand their rights under U.S. law.

The first two meetings will take place this Saturday night at 8PM and Sunday at 1:30PM and 7PM at St. Rose of Lima Church at 298 10th Street in Santa Rosa, and at 2:30PM Sunday at St. Mary’s Immaculate Church in Lakeport. Other sessions are being scheduled throughout the month of July.