The California Table, a network of 52 pro immigration reform organizations throughout the Golden State, unilaterally condemned actions by anti-immigrant zealots in Murrieta this week when immigrant children and families bused by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) tried to reach the local detention center in order to alleviate the overcrowding in other centers. The buses carrying more than 100 children and families were forced to reroute temporarily.
The following are statements on behalf of the members of The California Table:
“Nothing saddens the heart more than when a child is subjected to ridicule, hate, and discrimination based solely on his condition as an immigrant seeking refuge in the United States. The anti-immigrant protests in Murrieta showed an ugly side of the community that we denounce as elitist, bigoted, and anti-child.
“Whereas we all have the right to our opinion on immigration reform, it is an American tradition to show compassion and empathy to those who seek refuge in our country. These children and families have traveled thousands of miles north in an act of desperation, courage and love and the least we can do is allow them a place to eat and rest while their request for asylum is evaluated.
“Our nation celebrated this week the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Watching the throngs of hate-filled protesters block the buses carrying children and families was a grim reminder of how much work we have yet to do before we live in a society where fairness and morality bend towards justice.”
