(Image Credit: IMAGN) March 11, 2020; Tijuana, Baja California, MEXICO; Elvia Nunez, 36, staying with other MPP's at the Agape migrant shelter in Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico. Nunez, fled Honduras with her two teenage daughters after a gunmen killed her husband in front of her family. After crossing the border illegally in south Texas in August, U.S. border officials flew her to San Diego, sending her to Tijuana under "Remain in Mexico." She has her fifth and final court date with the U.S. judge on March 17. Mandatory Credit: Nick Oza/The Republic via USA TODAY NETWORK
Oakland, California – The Alameda County Board of Supervisors has unanimously voted to allocate approximately $2.2 million for services aimed at protecting illegal immigrants and refugees in the community.
The decision, made at the board’s regular meeting on Tuesday, comes in response to former President Donald Trump’s immigration policies. The funding was requested by the board’s ad hoc Alameda County Together for All Committee, which focuses on immigrant protections and support.
“I’m committed, and I believe Supervisor [Elisa] Marquez is also committed, to making sure the board, the public, has more information and that this work is truly effective in reaching every single person in this community that is potentially at risk,” said Supervisor Nikki Fortunato Bas, chairwoman of the committee.
According to meeting minutes, the funding will be distributed among multiple organizations providing legal aid, advocacy, and community support for immigrants and refugees.
- Asian Pacific Islander Legal Outreach will receive $50,000 to provide legal services and advocacy to marginalized immigrant communities. The funds will come from the District 5 Prior Year Savings fund and the Discretionary Services and Supplies funds.
- Centro Legal de La Raza will be allocated up to $700,000 to establish a Rapid Response Hotline, offer Know Your Rights training sessions, provide legal services, and coordinate a community volunteer network.
- Trabajadores Unidos Workers United (TUWU) will receive up to $500,000 for resources and preparation, including training, mutual aid, and neighborhood resources for immigrant and refugee communities.
- California Collaborative for Immigrant Justice (CCIJ) will be given up to $1 million to provide legal services aimed at assisting detained immigrants.
The organizations, known for their legal representation, advocacy, and education efforts, have emphasized their commitment to supporting immigrant and refugee populations, particularly those facing legal and economic challenges.
Supervisors stressed that the initiative is not solely reliant on county funds. Supervisor Fortunato Bas noted that a portion of the funding is expected to be matched through private fundraising efforts.
“For the community work, the proposal is that the county would fund half of one year’s budget and there’s private fundraising happening to fund the other half,” she explained.
Supervisor David Haubert emphasized that the funding is a result of a “community effort” made possible through a public-private partnership, ensuring that the financial responsibility does not fall entirely on the county government.
According to Fortunato Bas, one-third of Alameda County’s residents are immigrants, and “half of our children grow up in a household with at least one immigrant parent.” The funding is seen as a step toward ensuring that vulnerable members of the community have access to legal resources and support.
The newly approved funds will help provide critical assistance to immigrants and refugees, particularly those facing deportation risks or workplace exploitation. County officials and immigrant advocacy groups believe the investment will strengthen legal protections and community resources for those in need.
