June 2026 FLPIR Newsletter
On Sunday, June 14 from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m., Friends of La Peña Immigrant Rights (FLPIR) will host a free community workshop at La Peña Cultural Center focusing on ICE detentions and what we can do to end ICE detention now! Join us for a deeper dive into this complex topic with expert panelists who will share up-to-date information from a legal and activist perspective.
Speakers:
Natalia V Santanna, Esq., Founder of Santanna Law Offices, PC
Stacy Suh, Program Director at Detention Watch Network
Rev. Canon Anna Carmichael, Episcopal Diocese of San Joaquin Detention Ministry
Jose R., former detainee, SJRAISE
We will also have action tables set up to make whistle kits, write letters, and fill backpacks for immigrants in detention.
Please bring the following items to the event to help fill backpacks: travel-size toothpaste, shampoo, and lotion; toothbrush, soap, deodorant, comb/brush, bottle of water, granola/protein bar, dried fruit, socks, small notepad & pen.
Registration is required; space is limited.
Event is free. Suggested donation to be made at the door: $5.00 - $20.00.
A Huge Thank You to the Art Without Borders Team!
Photo credit: Lia Roozendaal Photography
The art sale went beyond our wildest dreams…there was a huge turnout; at one point the line to get in stretched down the whole block. Together we raised around $15,000 for the Multicultural Institute to support their work on behalf of day laborers and immigrants in the Bay Area! There was amazing energy in the room, the music was fantastic, everyone there contributed to a feeling of love, unity and solidarity.
Many thanks to event organizers Lisa Kokin, Marcy Goot, Aram Hodess, Dobee Snowber and Kathy deRosas; musicians David Shakiban and Friends; and everyone who helped to make this event a success! A huge thank you from the bottom or our hearts to the over 130 artists who so generously donated their art to make this happen.
“Art Without Borders” continues for two more weekends!
The sale will continue for the next two weekends at the open studio of Dobee Snowber (Lisa Levine's studio in the Ford Building) in Jingletown in Oakland. The Jingletown Art Walk will be held June 6-7 and June 13-14 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., so you will have an additional chance to purchase some of the incredible artwork from “Art Without Borders.” Please pass the word! We hope to sell even more art to a different audience during the four days of open studios.
Take action: Upcoming opportunities
Art by Rachel Liebman, who accompanies immigrants during court hearings and ICE check-ins with Faith in Action and court observers who work in conjunction with the Attorney of the Day program.
Volunteers Needed to Observe Immigration Court Proceedings with Concord Court Watch
Observe hearings to help assure due process rights in the courtroom are respected. A minimum commitment of 4 daytime hours, once per month is required. To sign up and receive training, email immcourt@gmail.com.
Request a “Know Your Rights in Healthcare” workshop
Do you work in healthcare? Would you like a “Know Your Rights in Healthcare” presentation at your work location? We can provide a one-hour training for your staff and colleagues or tailor the presentation to your needs.
Contact us via this Know Your Rights Training Request Form.
Welcome Navigator Program at the Concord Immigration Court
With the expansion of the Concord Immigration Court, there is a growing need for additional Spanish speaking volunteers for the Welcome Navigator program. Welcome Navigator volunteers provide non-legal, compassionate support to people attending immigration court, especially those who are unrepresented by an attorney. This is an extremely impactful and rewarding volunteer opportunity The role focuses on:
Welcoming individuals and families to the court
Sharing resource packets and basic information
Explaining what community resources may be available
Helping collect basic information for follow-up support when requested
Offering presence, dignity, and calm in an often overwhelming environment
After watching on-line training, volunteers get an in-person orientation at the court. Then they sign up for shifts that fit their schedule. Generally the shifts are about 3- 4 hours, either mornings or afternoons. To sign up and receive training, email immcourt@gmail.com.
Assist immigrants with Habeas Corpus
Volunteers are needed to join a pro bono Habeas Corpus team of lawyers, paralegals, translators, intake interviewers, proofreaders, and people with tech skills (who convert courtroom audio files to text) who together prepare and file legal pleadings in federal court to seek the release of detained immigrants. No immigration law experience is required. Lawyers can be practicing or retired. Volunteers with no paralegal experience can be trained. Both Spanish speaking and English speaking volunteers are needed. While the majority of applicants are from Latin America, we are also getting appeals for help from detainees from Africa and Southeast Asia. Mentorship for all volunteers is provided as needed. All work is done online, so volunteers can live anywhere.
Due to the time and training that goes into preparing volunteers, please only sign up if you have serious interest.
More ways to get involved:
Give out Know Your Rights cards
Outreach to businesses
Help with Asylum Applications
Adopt a Corner
Help with events
CALL NOW: Stop your tax dollars from funding family separation
First, we asked you to email your Assemblymember in support of the No Taxpayer Dollars for Family Separation Act (AB 2465) - and more than 1,000 of you stepped up.
Then, the bill cleared the Assembly Appropriations Committee.
Now, AB 2465 could be up for a full Assembly vote any day, and we need to turn up the pressure.
The next step is simple: Call your Assemblymember today and tell them to support the No Taxpayer Dollars for Family Separation Act!
Also call: Assemblymember Anamarie Avila Farias, District 15
📞 (916) 319-2015
Support the No Taxpayer Dollars for Family Separation Act
Call Script: (Leave a voicemail if closed!)
Hi, my name is [first_name]! I am joining with Faith in Action East Bay, PICO California, The California Immigrant Policy Center (CIPIC) & SEIU California to ask for your support of AB2465: The No Taxpayer Dollars for Family Separation Act.
Additional Talking points:
Companies tied to detention and deportation receive millions in California tax breaks, grants, and other public benefits - while families are torn apart and our communities live in fear.
AB 2465 will CUT OFF state benefits and $$ to corporations that profit from detention and enforcement activities.
At a time when families are being torn apart, our faith and our shared humanity calls us to stand with the vulnerable and affirm that Families are Sacred.
When the time comes, please support your community, support AB 2465: The No Taxpayer Dollars for Family Separation Act.
Right now, companies profiting from the detention of our immigrant neighbors still receive millions in California tax breaks, grants, and public benefits, while families are torn apart and communities live in fear.
Every day we stay silent, our tax dollars help fund that harm.
That ends with AB 2465 - but only if our leaders hear from us now.
Please, use your voice now: Call your Assemblymember. Tell them to support the No Taxpayer Dollars for Family Separation Act.
In faith, love, and solidarity,
FAITH IN ACTION EAST BAY
late May 2026 FLPIR Newsletter
Bushra Gill working in her studio (Photo credit: Maria Del Monaco)
Here’s a sneak peak at some of the amazing artwork that will be featured at “Art Without Borders,” an art sale benefitting immigrant families. The sale will be held on Saturday, May 30, from 2 to 5 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center (3105 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley, CA 94705).
Artist: Maritza Ruiz-Kim / Title of work: We Are Home / Medium: stencil/painting
We recently interviewed artist Lisa Kokin, one of the organizers of “Art Without Borders,” about the event.
Artist: Elizabeth Addison / Title of work: Between Heaven & Earth / Medium: digital collage
FLPIR: Lisa, what inspired you to organize this amazing event?
Lisa: The idea for this event came from a local artist Angela Luna, who approached FLPIR and offered to donate her art for sale. We loved the idea and broadened it to the wider Bay Area artist community. The response has been overwhelming. Over 130 artists have donated more than 300 pieces of original art, because they care deeply about what is happening during this horrific period of repression against immigrants and people of color in this country. Many of the artists thanked us for organizing something they can be involved in to help support immigrants in our community.
Artist: Susan Working / Title of work: Untitled / Medium: monoprint/collage
FLPIR: What kind of art will be for sale?
Lisa: The art in the sale is incredibly wide-ranging in both media and style, including drawings, paintings, printmaking, collage, and photography. Prices range from $15 to $200. In many cases, the artists priced their work well below market rate in order to make the work accessible to a broad range of people.
Artist: Katie Gilmartin / Title of work: Trancestors Walk With Us / Medium: linocut
FLPIR: Where will the proceeds from this event go?
Lisa: All of the proceeds will go to the Multicultural Institute, a non-profit organization that offers a variety of resources to immigrants including GED training and job placement assistance. They also help day laborers obtain work at a living wage and sponsor the “adopt-a-corner” program to help protect people against ICE.
Artist: Juan Fuentes / Title of work: Paz / Medium: linoleum cut
FLPIR: Will any of the artists be present at the sale?
Lisa: Yes, many of the artists will be present at the sale. There will also be music by David Shakiban and Friends and refreshments. So come join us for a fun afternoon of art, music, and food and help support the Multicultural Institute at the same time!
Artist: Dan Danzig / Title of work: City Motion / Medium: photography
May 2026 FLPIR Newsletter
On March 24, Berkeley residents and advocates packed City Council chambers to oppose a new contract with Flock surveillance that would put our immigrant community members at increased risk. In a marathon session, residents voiced their concerns until 1:30 a.m. – so long that it delayed the vote. The final vote has been rescheduled for a special session on May 7 at 5:00 p.m. at 1231 Addison Street in Berkeley.
There is still time to make an impact. Here's how you can help:
Sign and share the letter campaigns for the City Council and specifically for District 6 and District 8.
Join phone-banking and canvassing efforts happening in the next couple of weeks. Email ncac@indivisible-berkeley.org to get involved.
Attend the May 7 meeting and voice your opposition to Flock surveillance.
Visit the Indivisible Berkeley webpage to learn more about why this contract threatens the safety and privacy of Berkeley residents.
Upcoming events, trainings, workshops:
ACILEP Know Your Rights Virtual Workshop
Wednesday, May 6, 5:30 p.m., online
Join attorneys from Alameda County Immigration Legal Education Partnership (ACILEP) for a free virtual Know Your Rights workshop. This training will help you understand your risk of being arrested by ICE, make a plan to follow in case of an arrest in your family or community, and understand the current situation regarding ICE activity in our county.
Art Without Borders, an art sale benefitting immigrant families
Sunday, May 31, 2:00-5:00 p.m., La Peña Cultural Center, 3105 Shattuck Ave, Berkeley, CA.
Join us for this amazing, one-of-a-kind event. Original artwork from over 100 award-winning, established, and emerging artists will be sold at special accessible prices from $15 to $200, with all proceeds going to the Multicultural Institute, an immigrant advocacy and support organization. Artworks include diverse forms of printmaking, photography, collage, drawings, and paintings on paper. The event will feature live music from David Shakiban and Friends and refreshments.
Panel Discussion: Disappeared in Detention
Sunday, June 14, 3:30 - 5:30 p.m, La Peña Cultural Center, 3105 Shattuck Ave, Berkeley, CA .
Join us for a deep dive into the complex topic of immigration detention with expert panelists who will share up-to-date information from a legal and activist perspective. Visit our action tables during the break to take some immediate steps to fight back and support our neighbors and loved ones to stop the deportation machine.
Speakers will include Natalia V Santanna, Esq., founder of Santanna Law Offices, PC; Stacy Suh, program director at Detention Watch Network; Rev. Canon Anna Carmichael, Episcopal Diocese of San Joaquin Detention Ministry; Jose R., former detainee, SJRAISE; and others.
Take action: Upcoming opportunities
Request a “Know Your Rights in Healthcare” workshop
Do you work in healthcare? Would you like a “Know Your Rights in Healthcare” presentation at your work location? We can provide a one-hour training for your staff and colleagues to assist you in protecting the rights of immigrant patients and clients and providing increased safety when they come for their appointments or health services.
Contact us at FLPimmigrationrights@gmail.com.
Assist immigrants with Habeas Corpus
Volunteers are also needed to join a pro bono Habeas Corpus team of lawyers, paralegals, translators, intake interviewers and people with tech skills (who convert courtroom audio files to text) who together prepare and file legal pleadings in federal court to seek the release of detained immigrants. No immigration law experience is required. Lawyers can be practicing or retired. Volunteers with no paralegal experience can be trained. Intake interviewers and translators should have Spanish proficiency to communicate with most detainees and their relatives. Mentorship for all volunteers is provided as needed. All work is done online, so volunteers can live anywhere.
Due to the time and training that goes into preparing volunteers, please only sign up if you have serious interest.
More ways to get involved:
For more information, go to FLPIR.org
Give out Know Your Rights cards
Observe court proceedings Court Watch
Help with Asylum Applications (Spanish fluency required)
Adopt a Corner
Help with events
Thank You La Peña Community Chorus!
Thank you to the La Peña Community Chorus for an inspiring evening of music and resistance. The standing-room only concert raised over $3,000 for FLPIR to continue our work of defending immigrant rights! Thanks to the Chorus, La Peña Cultural Center, all the volunteers who helped organize the event, and everyone who attended for helping make this such a successful event!
April 2026 FLPIR Newsletter
On March 28, FLPIR volunteers joined millions of people across the US to say “No War With Iran, No ICE, and No Kings!” We need to continue to oppose the Trump/MAGA agenda in every way that we can. On May 1, we will join the May Day Strong “No Kings, No Billionaires!” campaign by not going to work or school or shopping (see below).
Meanwhile, we will continue organizing locally to defend our immigrant neighbors and oppose Trump’s cruel immigration policies. Last year, 32 people died in DHS custody – the most in over 2 decades. So far this year, at least 11 people have died in ICE custody. Thousands of people have been deported or are being held in ICE detention centers and thousands of families have been separated due to Trump’s cruel and unjust immigration policies.
This newsletter contains many ways you can join in the struggle for justice for immigrants – from city hall and courthouse vigils to music and arts events, and of course, the many ways you can volunteer!
Thanks for your support! Gracias por tu apoyo!
La Peña Community Chorus Presents: ¡SIN FRONTERAS!
A Benefit Concert for Friends of La Peña Immigrant Rights
Saturday, April 18, 7:30 p.m.
La Peña Cultural Center, Berkeley, CA
Call to artists: Donate your work to support immigrant families
Deadline to respond: April 17
FLPIR is sponsoring a one-day print, collage, and photography exhibition and sale to raise money for the Multicultural Institute, an immigrant advocacy and support organization in Berkeley. The event will include a reception and live music.
We are inviting artists to donate works to be included in this show. 100% of the proceeds of works sold will be donated to the Multicultural Institute. The deadline to respond is April 17. For more details about this exhibition and how to submit works, please contact lisa@lisakokin.com.
Stand together: Collective Actions
Keep ICE OUT of Dublin
Oppose the immigration center at the Alameda County Board of Supervisors Vote
Tuesday, April 7, 1-3 p.m.
1221 Oak Street, 5th Floor, Oakland, CA 94612
The fight to permanently shut down the federal prison in Dublin continues. So far, the sustained community pressure has prevented the reopening of FCI Dublin as an immigration detention center thus far, and we need your continued support.
On Tuesday, April 7 at 1 p.m., the Alameda County Board of Supervisors will vote on a resolution to oppose the reopening of FCI Dublin as an ICE detention center or other correctional facility.The resolution is co-sponsored by Supervisors David Haubert and Elisa Marquez.
Please take action:
Attend the Board of Supervisors meeting in-person or online. See our toolkit here for guidelines on public comment.
Not able to attend? Submit written comments via email by Monday, April 6, 3 p.m..
Sign up here with the ICE out of Dublin Coalition so we know that you are participating!
If you have questions about public comment, please email Marla Kamiya at mrlakam@gmail.com or Amanda Berger at ajberger84@gmail.com.
Stop Flock Surveillance in Alameda County
Oppose Flock contract expansion at the Alameda County Board of Supervisors Meeting
Tuesday, April 21, 3 p.m.
1221 Oak St # 536, Oakland, CA 94612
On April 21, the Alameda County Board of Supervisors will resume deliberations on a $854,200 contract extension with Flock. The County just voted to strengthen its sanctuary policy with ICE-Free Zones, voting “yes” on this contract would completely contradict its reasoning as ICE digs into Flock cameras to kidnap undocumented neighbors. Contact the District Supervisors before April 21 and show up online and in-person at the Board of Supervisors meeting; tell them to vote NO on the Flock contract. Find the Supervisor's contact info here.
May Day Strong: No work. No school. No shopping.
Friday, May 1
This May 1st, we will be flexing our collective muscle in a tremendous day of people power – showing our unity and strength through a day of no work, no school, no shopping.
Get Involved: Volunteer today
Support Immigrants with Asylum, Pretermission Responses, and Habeas Corpus
There is a critical need for bilingual volunteers to assist with helping asylum seekers in completing their asylum applications and pretermission forms. Volunteers must be proficient in English and another language, Spanish being in the highest demand.
Volunteers are also needed to join a pro bono Habeas Corpus team of lawyers, paralegals and intake interviewers who prepare and file legal pleadings in federal court to seek the release of detained immigrants. No immigration law experience is required. Lawyers can be practicing or retired. Volunteers with no paralegal experience can be trained. Intake interviewers should have Spanish proficiency to communicate with most detainees and their relatives. Mentorship for all volunteers is provided as needed. All work is done online, so volunteers can live anywhere.
Due to the time and training that goes into preparing volunteers, please only sign up if you have serious interest.
Stand in solidarity at Interfaith Immigration Court Vigils
Help create a sacred space and corridor of community welcome outside ICE immigration courts in SF and Concord which have become sites of danger and fear for immigrants accessing due process. Sponsored by Interfaith Movement for Human Integrity (IM4HI).
Observe Immigration Court Proceedings with SF Court Watch
Observe hearings to help assure due process rights in the courtroom are respected. A minimum commitment of 4 daytime hours, once per month is required.
To sign up and receive training, email immcourt@gmail.com.
Join the North Star Network
Become a counselor in training for immigrants seeking to go to Canada through the North Star Network. Weekly trainings & mentoring are offered by immigration lawyers and Quaker counselors. For more information, contact: CollaborativeAction@proton.me
More volunteer opportunities
For more information, go to FLPIR.org.
Adopt a Day-Laborer Corner
Give out red “Know Your Rights” cards & yellow “Rapid Response Network” cards
Support Local Businesses: Canvass with KYR Toolkit
Mid March 2026 FLPIR Newsletter
Immigrant Rights Sundays: Know Your Rights Now Workshop
Things have been changing so fast on the ground, it's time for a new Know Your Rights Now Workshop. We've gathered our experts to tell you what's happening now: How is ICE operating? What did we learn from Minnesota? What can you do to safely support immigrants?
We are very fortunate to have Marisa Almor as our presenter for this event. Marisa has given dozens of workshops in the Bay Area, training thousands of immigrants and allies on how to protect our community.
The workshop will be held on March 22, from 2 - 4 p.m. at La Pena Cultural Center. See you there!
Show up:
Upcoming events and marches
Oakland No Kings March
Saturday, March 28, 1- 3 p.m.
Sign up to support the march as a Indivisible East Bay volunteer.
San Francisco No Kings March
Saturday, March 28
11:30 a.m.: Gather at Embarcadero Plaza – Bring flags, wear costumes, make noise!
12 p.m.: March to Civic Center Plaza
2 p.m.: Rally at Civic Center Plaza and tabling fair at neighboring Fulton Plaza
La Peña Community Chorus Presents: ¡SIN FRONTERAS!
A Benefit Concert for Friends of La Peña Immigrant Rights
Saturday, April 18, 7:30 p.m.
La Peña Cultural Center, Berkeley, CA
Art Without Borders: Supporting Immigrant Families Through Art
May 31, 2:00 - 5:00 pm. La Peña Cultural Center, Berkeley, CA
Invitation to Artists: FLPIR is sponsoring a one-day print, collage, and photography exhibition and sale to raise money for the Multicultural Institute, an immigrant advocacy and support organization in Berkeley. The event will include a reception and live music. We are inviting artists to donate works to be included in this show. 100% of the proceeds of works sold will be donated to the Multicultural Institute. The deadline to respond is April 17.
For more details about this exhibition and how to submit works, please contact lisa@lisakokin.com. For more information about the Multicultural Institute, go to www.mionline.org.
Get involved: Ongoing actions
Time sensitive: Say NO to Flock surveillance in Berkeley
Tell our city council members that we oppose expanding the Flock contract and want them to prioritize community trust, civil liberties, and compliance with California’s privacy protections. Flock’s poor track record with data privacy has allowed ICE to access local data to target immigrants.
Contact your city council representative before the vote on March 24. DISTRICTS 1, 5, and 6 ARE HIGH PRIORITY because these council members are on the Public Safety subcommittee.
Look up your representative and find phone and email scripts at Indivisible East Bay.
Volunteer
Here are some of the ways you can volunteer:
Volunteer to Support Immigrants with Asylum, Pretermission Responses, and Habeas Corpus
Give out red “Know Your Rights” cards & yellow “Rapid Response Network” cards
Adopt a Day-Laborer Corner
Support Local Businesses: Canvass with KYR Toolkit
Observe Immigration Court Proceedings with SF Court Watch
Observe hearings to help assure due process rights in the courtroom are respected. A minimum commitment of 4 daytime hours, once per month is required.
To sign up and receive training, email immcourt@gmail.com.
Join the North Star Network
Become a counselor in training for immigrants seeking to go to Canada through the North Star Network. Weekly trainings & mentoring are offered by immigration lawyers and Quaker counselors.
For more information, contact: CollaborativeAction@proton.me