Action Alert

Jul 13

As we learn that ICE agents have killed two people during immigration actions in less than a week, it can be hard to look at the positives, but they do exist and learning about them helps us continue to resist. We do make a difference.

Rest in peace: Lorenzo Salgado Araujo and the as yet unnamed 26-year-old native of Colombia, who was authorized to work in the U.S.

Good news

Just today: a federal judge voided the settlement between Trump, his two eldest sons and the IRS that would have granted them tax protections and created his anti‑weaponization fund. It is a little unclear what this “voided” means, but it appears it means they cannot use it to throw out IRS actions. In addition, she ordered sanctions against Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche and Associate A.G. Stanley Woodward, among others. She directed a copy of her findings to be sent to the bar associations in New York and Washington D.C., “where disciplinary proceedings are currently ongoing” against Blanche and Woodward over alleged ethical violations. She also referred one of Trump’s attorneys, Alejandro Brito, to the Florida bar association “for its consideration, review, and determination as to whether any disciplinary action is appropriate.” Hurray for the Rule of Law. It’s worth reading about the decision.
Federal law enforcement authorities have turned over long-withheld evidence to Minnesota state prosecutors regarding three individuals shot by federal agents during a major immigration enforcement crackdown in Minneapolis, following months of legal pushback and a state-led federal lawsuit.
Trane Technologies, a company that makes heating, air conditioning, ventilation and refrigeration equipment has donated 40 acres to the School District of La Crosse, the largest donation in the District’s history. The early plans for the property include athletic fields, outdoor activity areas and professional development space for staff.
Mayor Mamdani announced New York City’s first ever city-funded pet food pantry.
Illinois will be the first state to require independent audits of large artificial intelligence developers’ safety practices under a new law signed by Gov. JB Pritzker.
In a win for underrepresented voters in Florida, a court dismissed an anti-voting lawsuit challenging the methodology used in the 2020 Census - which plaintiffs argued disadvantaged Republicans in the state.
A federal judge denied the DHS’s request to pause an order shutting down use of its modified Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements system to certify registered voters’ citizenship status.
Governor Greg Abbott called for banning new data center development in rural Texas neighborhoods, marking a significant policy shift for the Republican governor.
A federal judge blocked a Trump administration attempt to obtain the identities of 2020 election workers in Georgia’s Fulton County. Also, a federal court dismissed a DOJ lawsuit to obtain an unredacted copy of New York's statewide voter registration list. The DOJ is now 0-12 in these cases. Marc Elias’s law group is undefeated.
The 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals struck down Florida’s Stop WOKE Act provisions restricting race and gender instruction at public colleges, ruling the law unconstitutionally suppresses political viewpoints in academic settings.
A Tampa-Based U.S. district judge dismissed Trump Media and Technology Group's $3.8 billion defamation lawsuit against The Washington Post, finding the company failed to present evidence of actual malice.
Hebert Ibarra Castro, a young San Antonio mariachi player who was in ICE detention has been released and reunited with his family. Also, Yessenia Ruano, a teacher’s aide and mom to twin girls, returned to the U.S. after ICE forced her to leave last year.
The Los Angeles Police Department announced that it is ending its agreement with Flock Safety.
Meta discontinued a new AI feature that allowed users to generate images using public Instagram accounts following days of criticism over the feature’s opt-out policy. It was only up for about four days; public pressure works!
The ROAD to Housing Act became law, without Trump’s signature. This bill will hopefully help more housing get built. It also stops private equity from buying up giant masses of single family homes.
The ACLU filed a lawsuit on behalf of Amanda McGonigle, an influencer and creator (@CatsOnACouch). She’s suing JD Vance for violating her 1st Amendment rights. Amanda was barred from an official government event solely because of the content she posts on Instagram making fun of and trolling him. [Is this the most thin-skinned Administration ever??]
Former Wisconsin Judge Hannah Dugan was spared from prison for ushering a Mexican defendant through her jury room door as ICE agents sought to arrest him in a courthouse hallway.

Things you can do right now

1. "Good Trouble Lives On" Bridge Rally/Visibility Event

Saturday, July 18, 10 am–12 pm
Sauk Bridge on Hwy 12 across from Kwik Trip

To honor Congressman John Lewis and the causes he held dear.

Signs can be about Voting Rights, ICE, Stop the War, etc., but be family friendly, please.

2. Tell Your Senators to Vote NO on Todd Blanche for Attorney General.

See the first Good News item above, and find more information and a script here.

3. Ask Your Member of Congress what they, personally, are doing about ICE.

Here is a script that you can use:

Hello, I'm [name] a Constituent from [zip code.] ICE has now killed two people in less than a week. This has to stop. ICE agents are being sent out with no vetting, no training, no body cameras, and no guardrails. What are YOU, my representative, going to do about it? I want actions, not words!

Information for:

4. Tell Your Member of Congress to End the War

They have the power to do it through the War Powers Act.

https://5calls.org/issue/iran-war/

5. Tell Your Member of Congress to Vote Against the NDAA Defense Budget.

This bloated bill includes money to rename the Dept of Defense to the Dept of War ($125 million;) fund the "Golden Dome" ($17.5 billion;) gives Israel unprecedented access to American military technology, while forcing the U.S. to integrate Israeli defense systems into our own supply chain; and fund Trump's Battleships.

Some of these provisions are potentially dangerous, some are vanity projects, and virtually all are wasteful.

https://5calls.org/issue/ndaa-national-defense-authorization-budget/

Announcements

Justice for Lorenzo Salgado Araujo Call

Day of Action and Accountability Movement

July 15, 7 pm

We will gather in solidarity to hear from Lorenzo’s loved ones, get updates about the case, and learn how you can take action over the coming weeks to demand justice and accountability for Lorenzo and his family.

More info/sign-up here.