The Coalition for the Human Rights of Immigrants (CHIRLA) denounced the attack for political purposes on hotlines for information and help for immigrant communities by the Trump administration.
According to the coalition, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California Bill Essayli urged the public to contact hotlines for organizations, such as CHIRLA, to harass them, give false leads and saturate their services, as resources to block their aid to immigrants.
CHIRLA representatives declared that the organization has operated its hotlines for more than 31 years with the purpose of providing guidance and assistance to more than 20,000 people a year.
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“Hotlines are the lifeline that prevents the most vulnerable from disappearing anonymously or face their questions, doubts or needs alone,” said the executive director of CHIRLA, Angélica Salas, in a statement.
Salas accused the Trump administration of attacking the resources that CHIRLA has because it focuses its attention on guiding and informing immigrant families and communities in need.
The organization mentioned that CHIRLA’s assistance in the current migration crisis that exists in Los Angeles It is vital for the immigrant community to have access to information and guidanceas well as so that you know what your rights are.
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Given the current harassment by federal immigration authorities, The CHIRLA coalition offers support in the face of the immigration offensiveas well as guidance on legal immigration, emotional and financial support for emergencies, such as food or rental insecurity.
CHIRLA mentioned that, through its hotlines, it offers an organized and safe space for the immigrant community to find support, information and guidance in the event that a loved one is a victim of racial discrimination, detention or arrest by ICE agents.
“Our hotline is not focused on ICE or agents. Our goal is to ensure that our community has a trusted place to turn to“said the immigrant defense organization in its statement.
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CHIRLA expressed that, when a raid is carried out, the function of the hotline is to ensure that those who are forced to rebuild their lives after the kidnapping of a loved one, know where to go for help and know the tools available to best respond to their situation.
“In times of high tension and division, We should all work to reduce tension, not stoke discord.“added the coalition defending the human rights of immigrants.
“Anyone who tries to promote chaos and misinformation, especially important figures, should be ashamed“he added.
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The organization assured that it will continue focused on its work despite attempts to block its assistance to the immigrant community through harassment of its staff and attempts to defame its mission.
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