The Welcome Project participated in the We Are One Somerville: Sanctuary City Rally in February 2017. — Photo by Bobbie Toner

By Shira Laucharoen

Since its launch in March 2018, the Somerville Response Network has remained an active resource for immigrant residents, having been developed by The Welcome Project as a system to be employed in the event of ICE raids in the city.  Creators have said it is their hope to never have to use the program, but to be ready and prepared in case it is needed.

“A lot of things started happening after presidential elections, and there were additional resources constituents were asking for.  There was a lot of fear, and people were afraid to go to clinics and schools, anywhere,” said development coordinator of The Welcome Project Kenia Alfaro.  “We realized this is a service we need to make sure families and those affected are ok.  That was a motivation, saying we need to streamline the process and provide resources, so the community is safe and informed of what’s happening.

The Somerville Response Network links together local government entities, nonprofits, and community members to craft a plan for families in reaction to ICE arrests.  The program currently has approximately 200 subscribers, who will all be notified via text message if a raid takes place in Somerville.  When an individual observes a raid, he or she may report the incident to a phone number, specifying location and information about those involved.  A response committee will verify the information and alert everyone in the network.  The Somerville Response Network aims to help keep families together and offer those impacted with supports, such as legal resources and advocates, interpreters, or food.

The system’s website provides a “Know Your Rights” section, available in five different languages.  This portion of the site offers a set of reminders, such as the right to remain silent when confronted with an immigration officer.  To enter a home, an ICE agent must have a warrant signed by a judge, and individuals do not need to open their doors unless shown one.  One may also request the presence of a lawyer, and the site advises against carrying papers from another country, such as a foreign passport.  A valid work permit or green card is helpful to have for identification purposes.

“It’s really important that people know their legal rights.  When you’re in a position where someone is telling you to do something, in any situation, even when you’re getting a parking ticket, how do you know what you must comply with and what is actually a request? There are protections and rights that are ignored,” said volunteer Jeffrey Warren.

The Somerville Response Network is hosted by The Welcome Project, Somerville’s leading immigrant organization.  Based at the Mystic Public Housing Development, the non-profit offers programs for youth, adults, and families to support them in advocating for themselves and finding empowerment through schools, government, and other institutions.  Adult classes include English language lessons and citizenship courses, while youth services such as summer camp and interpretation assistance programs are also offered.

Learn more about the Somerville Response Network on their website: http://somervilleresponse.org.