Helping People Gain Power
Latest Updates
Deaths of two men in Texas following ICE arrests draw attention to deadly nature of immigration enforcement
(AUSTIN, Texas) — Immigration advocates today responded with sadness and anger to news of the deaths of two men following apprehension by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Juan Coronilla-Guerrero, who was arrested in February during a controversial raid on an Austin courthouse and later deported, was violently killed in Mexico last week, according to a story in the Austin American-Statesman. Read more about Deaths of two men in Texas following ICE arrests draw attention to deadly nature of immigration enforcement
We can not accept any DACA deal that includes more detention and deportation
September 14, 2017 by Bob Libal
Bob Libal, executive director of Grassroots Leadership, speaking at the University Leadership Initiative press conference on September 5 to respond to news that U.S. Attorney General Jeff Session announced the end of the DACA program.
I remain heartened by the defiant response of our community here in Austin to the ending of DACA. We’ve been standing with University Leadership Initiative, with United We Dream, and with undocumented students who have DACA and who don’t have DACA, for years. We’re outraged by the actions of bullies like Donald Trump, Ken Paxton, Jeff Sessions, Greg Abbott, Dan Patrick who have tried to terrorize these communities for months now. Read more about We can not accept any DACA deal that includes more detention and deportation
We welcome Norma Itzel Salas to the Grassroots Leadership team
September 14, 2017 by Cristina Parker
Grassroots Leadership is pleased to welcome Norma Itzel Salas as our new Immigration Social Work and Advocacy Intern. Itzel is a current student at St. Edward’s University finishing her last semester this December with a Bachelor’s in Social Work.
Itzel has volunteered around Austin with different organizations such as Casa Marianella, has spoken to Senator Eddie Lucio about how to advocate for immigrant rights, is now part of our Grassroots Leadership team! She has a passion for immigration law and policy. Read more about We welcome Norma Itzel Salas to the Grassroots Leadership team
ICE Show Us Your Papers: Action in San Antonio for ICE Accountability
September 14, 2017 by Elizabeth Welliver
On Tuesday in San Antonio, Grassroots Leadership, RAICES, the Austin Sanctuary Network, Movimento Cosecha, and local partners joined with immigrant advocates across the nation to demand accountability from ICE. The coordinated national actions were in response to ICE’s planned mega-raids during the month of September. Read more about ICE Show Us Your Papers: Action in San Antonio for ICE Accountability
Grassroots Welcomes Chris Harris
September 12, 2017 by Holly Kirby
Grassroots Leadership is pleased to welcome Chris Harris to the team as a Data Analyst & Campaigns Coordinator! Chris has been contracting with Grassroots Leadership since January, assisting with everything from software consulting to data analysis to event organizing. We are pleased to now welcome him aboard in a full-time capacity where he will help coordinate local criminal justice campaigns, in addition to policy and data analysis. Read more about Grassroots Welcomes Chris Harris
