MEMPHIS, Tenn.– Ice raids and recent immigration policies are causing tremendous amounts of stress, fear, and uncertainty for families across the nation.
A local organization, Indivisible Memphis, is assisting by lending a helping hand to neighbors in need.
Non-perishable foods items, baby diapers, and other essentials are assembled neatly on shelves at this Mid-South home.
It’s become a safe haven and a place of refuge; meeting people where they are.
“We set up an Amazon list to make it easy for people to donate,” said Jessica Miller, an organizer with Indivisible Memphis.
The idea came about following the increasing number of ICE Raids happening in the area. As families shared stories of fear, hunger, and isolation, local leader and advocates focused on immediate needs.
“I see the pain in the community because I’ve been through it,” said Jose Salazar, a member of Indivisible Memphis.
Angela Schulz, another member with the organization, has delivered numerous boxes of items to families too afraid to leave their home out of fear of deportation and some even on the brink of starvation.
“This little girl, this whole thing English. Thank you for the food. And I thought, what kind of [BLEEP] up animal would her child like that?” Schulz stated.
Salazar was once undocumented and said there are many misconceptions about immigrants.
“Most of them do pay taxes and they don’t get returns on them. So basically, we’re providing for the American community. We’re not a burden on this country. Instead, we’re giving back to this country without receiving anything,” he mentioned.
For the past two weeks, this small organization has served almost 150 people in need with over 30 deliveries.
“In the beginning, this was all about rounding up criminals and violent people and I don‘t think anyone would have anything to say about that. But, these aren’t violent people. These are people trying to go to work,” Miller said.
And with recent reports of Governor Bill Lee’s plans to use the National Guard to support immigration enforcement, local advocates say it won’t deter them from continuing to organize and provide aid.
If you would like to donate or learn more about their cause, click here.