There are numerous opportunities to resist mass deportations in Grand Rapids, with several events and actions in the next week

The Trump Administration is calling for mass deportations once he occupies the White House again after January 20th. The time is now for all of us who care about solidarity and collective liberation to not sit on the sidelines or think complaining about Trump on social media will do a damn thing.

In Grand Rapids, there are lots of ways to be involved in the resistance to mass deportations and to stand in solidarity with immigrants right now. What follows is a list of upcoming/current actions that people can take, plus the groups that are working diligently to practice immigration justice.

On Wednesday, January 15th, there will be a free screening of the film Citizen: The Jilmar Ramos Gomez Story, which will be screened at the Wealthy Theater at 7pm. This short film not only focuses on the person of Jilmar Ramos Gomez, it shows how people in Grand Rapids resisted anti-Immigration policies by the Trump Administration during his first tenure as President. 

On Saturday, January 18th, GR Rapid Response to ICE is hosting a training at Fountain Street Church from noon til 2pm. This is a training being offered through GR Rapid Response to ICE to prepare people to take action in support of immigrants that will be targeted, especially with the threat from the incoming Trump Administration of mass deportation. This training will offer multiple ways for people to support immigrants, along with concretes ways for people to practice solidarity.

On Monday, January 20th, Movimiento Cosecha Michigan is hosting a NO Deportations march. People will gather at Rosa Parks Circle and march in downtown Grand Rapids, which is a great action to counter Trump’s inauguration. Cosecha says, “Immigrants are human beings who want a better world for our children and our community. We deserve to live with dignity, respect, and permanent protection, without the fear of being deported. Come march with us and show your solidarity with immigrants to say NO DEPORTATIONS in our community.”

You can also sign an Action Alert right now, an action alert that is calling on the Grand Rapids Public Schools to adopt a Sanctuary policy for the district.

GR Rapid Response to ICE is doing the defensive work that allies can be part of, which is exactly what Movimiento Cosecha is calling for. GRIID encourages people to follow both groups to practice solidarity and resist anti-immigrant policies, like deportation.