An update from Yesenia Molina,

• On Wed. Nov. 30^th at 4:30 in the CIMA Office in Watsonville the Immigration Action Group met. From that meeting a few things were decided, our next immigration action group meeting will be January 11^th at 5:30 at the RCNV to plan for the 21st.
• The group also decided that we would like to have a retreat in order to have a common goal and purpose amongst the group. The date for that will be January 21^st from 10-2 and we will be meeting in Watsonville this time.
• Another great thing that happened was the morning of Dec. 13th, Sheriff Wowack gave his report on what Santa Cruz County can do to limit involvement in the Secure Communities program to the Board of Supervisors. The board acted to direct the chair to convene a task force including the Latino Affairs Commission to develop a policy on the deportation program and bring it back to the Board in February.
• In his report, the sheriff acknowledged for the first time that such discretion does exist. He suggested it could allow about 10% of those detained to avoid deportation.  We think the number is larger. That’s why the formation of a Task Force that specifically empowers the Latino Affairs Commission is so important!
• I would also like to see if there is any way possible to get members from the immigration action group on the task force they are putting together.

For information, visit their new website: immigrationactiongroup.wordpress.com

To join us, please contact Yesenia Molina by email or phone (831) 425-4500.