No One is Illegal on Stolen Land: How we can keep undocumented relatives safe
It’s been a frightening two weeks as the Trump administration orders ICE agents and military units to arrest, detain, and deport undocumented people across the United States. President Trump has even indicated his desire to turn Guantanamo Bay prison into a concentration camp for deported individuals. These deportations are not new, but they are increasing in their frequency, severity, and lawlessness.
At Honor The Earth, we believe that no one is illegal on stolen land and that the so-called “migrant crisis” is best understood as a crisis manufactured and created by colonialism. Colonial governments on Turtle Island have long imposed artificial borders on Indigenous lands while implementing a racist system that values the lives of white “citizens” over others. Corporations and governments in the West have also spent centuries terrorizing and displacing communities across the Global South with factories, mining, military interventions, and climate change.
We know that once this land returns to Indigenous hands, the Earth and all our communities will thrive. But while we work to realize this vision, we need to keep each other safe.
What can you do?
There have already been reports of Indigenous Peoples arrested by ICE agents carrying out racialized deportation sweeps. For Indigenous Relatives who are recognized members of Tribes here in the United States, we encourage you to carry your ID with you wherever you go. Many tribes are currently waiving fees for tribal ID cards.
For all of our relatives, in particular white allies, here’s what else you can do to help protect vulnerable community members:
Share resources and“know your rights” pamphlets with undocumented folks in your communities. Here is one created by the National Immigration Law Center, in English and in Spanish.
Record when folks are being detained or subject to detainment. Bring your phone or camera and videotape what’s happening. If you capture someone’s rights being violated on film, you might be able to help them later on. You don’t need to insert yourself into a situation while doing this - even filming from across the street is enough to help.
Make sure your information is accurate when sharing in group chats and on social media. Don’t share screenshots without links, and only share news stories that properly cite where their information is coming from. It’s important not to spread unnecessary fear or misinformation in your communities.
Connect to legal support. Ask around in your community and network if there are any immigration attorneys who can work pro bono, and help get them connected with grassroots organizations working directly with undocumented folks.
Raise funds for those who can’t get pro bono attorneys. If you work through a 501(c)3, make sure it’s a trusted organization directing funds to work on the ground.
Create actionable plans. Support your undocumented neighbors to implement plans for their spouses, children, bank accounts, and more should they be detained or deported.
Put bad actors on blast when they put others in harm's way and hold them accountable. If you see a teacher posting racist rhetoric online and encouraging ICE visits to a school, call them out and speak up at your local school board.
Stock up on supplies, prioritizing vulnerable communities. Particularly as many farm workers skip work due to fear of ICE raids, the prices of groceries will continue to rise. Make a list of places where folks can get access to food, particularly food banks where no documentation or proof of citizenship is required.
Though it’s been a frightening two weeks, we are not helpless to the attacks on our communities and relatives. We can and must protect each other. There is no other choice.