We invite you to stand in solidarity outside the ICE Enforcement & Removal Operations Office in Burlington every Wednesday from 11am-1pm. Together, we can show love & support for immigrants, express our shame at ICE, and bear witness to the cruel and unconstitutional actions of our government. Regardless of your views on any other political issues, if you support immigrants and their constitutional rights and are committed to nonviolence you are welcome to join. Location ICE Enforcement & Removal Operations Office 1000 District Avenue Burlington MA 01803 Schedule (every Wednesday) 11:00-11:30, Welcome chat; announcements; guest speakers 11:30-12:30, Stand or sit with signs; option to read the U.S. Constitution to ICE 12:30-1:00, Short march along the sidewalk on District Ave What happens at this ICE office? At this central facility for the New England region, ICE agents are deployed in unmarked vehicles to abduct immigrants across Rhode Island, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, and Vermont. When an immigrant in Massachusetts is arrested, they are often taken to this facility for processing, where they are denied due process. Previously, this location was for temporary holding with no overnight detention, but this is no longer the case. Immigrants are now being detained for days in cells with no beds, no windows, no clocks, no soap, no showers, and hardly any food or water. Each cell is filled with dozens of immigrants, and there is a toilet sitting out in the open. The immigrants are not allowed outdoor time. In addition to those being imprisoned, throughout the day, families and individuals arrive at this office for mandatory appointments. The building has tinted windows, no signage, and is situated in a large office park. Department of Homeland Security officers and Burlington Police, respectively, have affirmed that we have the right to protest peacefully outside this facility. What to expect when bearing witness? We are committed to nonviolence, and we stand peacefully with signs outside the facility. We do not block the entrance, we do not physically approach ICE agents as they walk to/from the parking lot, and we do not block traffic on District Ave. Immigrants who are fortunate to leave the facility have shown gratitude for our presence and some share their stories with us. ICE agents tend to cover their faces with masks, many record us with their phones, others give a satisfied smile or laugh, they rarely say anything. The security officers stationed at the front of the building have not hassled us in any way. Passersby from nearby businesses often thank us for being there, and many have shared that they never knew this was an ICE facility. Signs We're hoping that all signs can be specifically about supporting immigrants and the Constitution, and/or expressing shame at ICE. This is a very targeted action outside the ICE facility, so it's not the venue for protesting other causes. Even though we care deeply about other issues, while outside ICE we must remain focused on immigration. Our goal is to come together across any political differences to show our collective support for immigrants and their rights. Food collection Each week we collect food, household, and health items to donate to offer immigrants who are arriving for appointments at the facility. All remaining donations are brought to a local food pantry. We have donated more than 6,000 lbs of food so far. All attendees are invited to bring unopened food/health/household items. Join the email list If you would like to receive weekly updates on Bearing Witness @ ICE, visit our website -- BearingWitnessNE.org -- and enter your email address to join our list. The website also provides up-to-date important information on parking and other tips. Our numbers continue to grow, and we hope you can join us. Take care, Bearing Witness @ ICE organizers bearingwitnessne.org