“`html
Health Access opposes the violent invasion of our cities adn communities by ICE and other military and law enforcement. ICE is an inherently violent association, whose presence in our cities and communities stokes fear and makes us less safe. We oppose the proposal in Congress to continue to fund ICE, and we will oppose any proposals that target individuals based on thier immigration status, race, ethnicity, gender identity, religion, disability, or other status. While much of our day-to-day work is focused on solving problems in our health care system, our vision for a healthier California is incompatible with immigration enforcement that tears families apart, terrorizes communities, murders lawful protestors, and prevents our neighbors from accessing the care they need out of fear. Our organizational values require that we stand up for justice and for the safety of all people. In this moment, we must also remember that H.R. 1 gave billions of dollars to ICE while gutting our health care system, doubling down on the harms to vulnerable communities. Many of the ICE officers on the streets,the relentless ICE recruiting ads,and the regime of terror,are being funded through cuts to Medicaid,SNAP,Covered California,and programs that millions of Californians rely on.
That is why, this Friday, January 30th, health Access will join hundreds of organizations across the country in participating in a national shutdown to protest ICE’s actions and demand an end to its funding. the shutdown aims to disrupt “business as usual” and highlight the detrimental impact of ICE on communities.Health Access believes that funding for ICE directly harms public health by diverting resources from essential programs and creating an habitat of fear that prevents individuals from seeking care.
The current situation stems from a long history of increased immigration enforcement, particularly under the Trump administration, which significantly expanded ICE’s powers and funding. The Biden administration has faced criticism from both sides – some argue it hasn’t gone far enough to dismantle ICE, while others claim its policies are too lenient. The proposed Congressional funding continues this debate, with advocates for reform arguing that resources should be redirected towards community support and healthcare, not enforcement.
The national shutdown on January 30th is intended to be a broad-based protest, encompassing a range of tactics from marches and rallies to economic boycotts. Health Access hopes the action will raise public awareness and pressure lawmakers to reconsider their support for ICE funding.The ultimate goal is to create a system that prioritizes human rights and public health over immigration enforcement. The shutdown is still ongoing as of this writing, with reports of demonstrations occurring in major cities across the country.
