A group of migrants were bused from Texas to California Wednesday and dropped off at Union Station in Downtown Los Angeles. This was the third time in less than two weeks that a group of asylum seekers have been sent abruptly to California as a political protest by the Republican governors of Florida and Texas against Democratic immigration policies.
Governor Greg Abbott of Texas stated that his administration had coordinated the relocation, involving the transportation of a minimum of 42 migrants, including young children and toddlers, via bus.
However, the busing of migrants is nothing new. The series of drop-off locations initially commenced in Washington, D.C., in 2022. Gov. Abbott subsequently included California, New York City, Chicago, Denver, and Philadelphia as supplementary destinations for relocating the migrants.
Gov. Abbott has relocated more than 21,600 migrants to cities that have declared themselves as sanctuaries. Notably, these transportations have occurred without prior notification to the cities or provisions such as food and water for the migrants during their journeys.
Legal Concerns
District of Columbia Attorney General Karl Racine opened an investigation after Gov. Abbott’s first political protest of sending migrants near the official residence of Vice President Kamala Harris in Washington, D.C. During this time, Racine’s office had the power to initiate legal proceedings to charge Gov. Abbott for misdemeanor criminal charges or pursue civil fraud cases.
Gov. Abbott and DeSantis’s previous actions hold significance, as their latest relocation of migrants to California mirrors the political protests in Washington, D.C.
Transporting migrants across state lines may be subject to various state and federal laws, including fraudulent job or service promises, civil rights violations, or the misuse of taxpayers' funds by officials. California Attorney General Rob Bonta has requested a list of records from the Governor's office of Florida to provide a list of records pertaining to the transportation of migrants between Texas and California. This request is made in light of Governor Ron DeSantis's involvement in the relocation process.
Moving migrants between jurisdictions is a federal issue, and Gov. Abbott and DeSantis could face legal challenges on the constitutionality of their moves.
Following a recent migrant journey financed by Florida, Governor Gavin Newsom of California insinuated that Governor Ron DeSantis could face kidnapping charges if the migrants were deprived of their liberty on false pretenses. The possibility of charges depends on the ability of authorities to substantiate that the migrants did not relocate willingly, which may hinge on the provision of false information to them.
How to Help
Fortunately, organizations were ready to provide assistance to the migrants after their arrival at Union Station in Downtown Los Angeles. Nevertheless, organizations are always looking for help from the public to continue providing services, particularly with the influx of unpredictable migrant transportation.
Immigrant Defenders Law Center
The Immigrant Defenders Law Center, the leading nonprofit organization in Southern California dedicated to deportation defense, provides comprehensive services, including legal representation, deportation defense, legal education, and access to social services to around 3,000 adults and children, whether detained or non-detained, each year.
To support the center, you can contribute through in-kind donations, such as gift cards, school supplies, packaged snacks, backpacks, and transportation cards. Additionally, the nonprofit accepts monetary donations and welcomes volunteers to assist with their initiatives.
International Institute of Los Angeles
The International Institute of Los Angeles offers comprehensive services to newly resettled individuals and families, encompassing temporary housing, health screenings, community orientations, and assistance in securing employment and childcare.
You can contribute by making a financial donation or volunteering. The organization specifically requires assistance from legal professionals, interpreters, and translators proficient in Dari and Pashto. Additionally, they welcome volunteers of high school age who can join a youth group dedicated to supporting refugee teenagers in building and sustaining personal connections during their transition to this new phase of life.
Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights
The Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights is dedicated to promoting the rights of immigrants and refugees, striving to advance their human and civil rights. One of their key initiatives involves providing immigration legal services at an affordable cost. The organization also provides legal services to students enrolled in 14 community colleges and four California State University campuses. They also extend support to families confronting deportation, offer legal aid to victims of crime, and provide assistance to individuals enrolled in the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program.
The coalition welcomes both one-time and recurring financial donations as a means of support. Additionally, you have the option to provide financial assistance to one of their various programs, such as the Unstoppable Dreams Fund. This fund specifically focuses on promoting the protection of DACA individuals and families.
Newcomers Access Center
The Newcomers Access Center is dedicated to helping refugee and immigrant families in San Bernardino and Los Angeles counties, enabling them to achieve independence. Their services include health and wellness workshops, translation support, employment opportunities, and driving instruction.
An option to support the center is by donating used items that are in good condition. To facilitate the donation process, the center has established a partnership with the ACTS Thrift Store located at 232 E. Foothill Blvd. in Pomona. Donated items are placed on the store's shelves for refugees to purchase. When the store receives the donation, they credit the center, which in turn provides vouchers to refugee and immigrant families, enabling them to purchase the items using the vouchers.
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