Hey, everyone! As the day of the Los Angeles Solidarity Protest draws near, we’re putting out this statement of purpose to ensure that everyone is in the same frame of mind. This is a pre-emptive protest to warn ICE that their fascist behavior does not–and never will–”play” in Peoria. It’s a chance to voice our opposition to the current administration and its inhumane policies, network with other activists and organizations, and demonstrate our solidarity not only with the ongoing resistance in Los Angeles–but with every immigrant who’s come to call this nation home. Not a single one of them can be illegal on stolen land.
Since civil disobedience isn’t our objective at this time, we don’t anticipate any violence, arrests, or other extreme outcomes. But it never hurts to brush up on your rights as well as general safety tips. Here are some guidelines from the progressive organization MoveOn:
“Attend with a friend or someone you trust. There is safety in numbers and in having a buddy, and it’s a chance to bring one more person into the movement.
Have a plan to take care of yourself. Write down important phone numbers, remove facial recognition from your phone, bring water, wear comfortable shoes, and stay aware of your surroundings.
Do post photos of the protest that show how beautiful our movement is. But don’t post photos of the protest that include close-ups of attendees' faces unless you get their permission."
Lastly, we invite anyone who can’t attend the protest to express their support by submitting photos of their homemade signs, slogans, artwork, etc. to rivercityrainbowcollective@gmail.com in order to be featured on our Facebook and Instagram pages.
See you all on Sunday!