CoreCivic is a private company seeking to reopen a detention facility in Leavenworth, Kansas as a detention center for undocumented immigrants. (Joe Kenny)

Kansas City Nonprofits Unite Against ICE Activities and Detention Centers

As ICE activity increases in the Kansas City area, several nonprofit organizations and advocacy groups have stepped up to challenge immigration enforcement actions and the proposed Leavenworth detention center. These Kansas City Nonprofits are working tirelessly to provide legal support, organize protests, and empower immigrant communities. Their collective efforts highlight the growing resistance to what they view as unjust practices by ICE.


Advocates for Immigrant Rights and Reconciliation (AIRR)

Advocates for Immigrant Rights and Reconciliation (AIRR) is a Kansas City-based organization dedicated to empowering immigrants. AIRR provides legal counsel references, community support, and has been a visible presence at anti-ICE rallies. Their work focuses on ensuring that immigrants know their rights and have access to resources. For more information, visit airrkc.org.


ACLU of Kansas: Fighting for Civil Liberties

The ACLU of Kansas has been a key player in opposing the expansion of immigration detention facilities. Through litigation and advocacy, the organization works to protect civil rights and often collaborates with other groups to amplify their impact. Their efforts include challenging CoreCivic’s plans to reopen a private prison as an ICE detention center in Leavenworth.


Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth: Leading Community Resistance

The Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth, through their Office of Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation, have been at the forefront of community resistance against CoreCivic’s proposed ICE facility. This religious organization has organized rallies and engaged in legal battles to prevent the reopening of the private prison. Their commitment to justice and peace has inspired many in the community to join the cause. Learn more about their efforts in this NCR Online article.


PeaceWorks Kansas City: Advocating for Social Justice

PeaceWorks Kansas City is a broader peace and social justice advocacy group that has actively protested ICE activities and raids in the area. Their recent demonstrations have drawn attention to what they describe as “lawless behavior” by ICE. The group’s commitment to peace and justice extends to supporting immigrant communities and opposing detention facilities.


Central Area Betterment Association (CABA): Empowering Communities

The Central Area Betterment Association (CABA) has focused on easing community concerns by sharing “know your rights” information and resources. Their proactive approach helps immigrant families navigate the challenges posed by ICE activities. For more details, visit the CABA KCK website.


Boots on the Ground Midwest: Organizing Protests

Boots on the Ground Midwest has organized large-scale protests in Johnson County in response to ICE raids. Their efforts aim to show solidarity with the immigrant community and push back against enforcement actions they view as unjust. The group’s activism has been instrumental in raising awareness and mobilizing support.


The Fight Against CoreCivic’s Proposed ICE Facility

CoreCivic’s plan to reopen a private prison as an ICE detention center in Leavenworth has faced significant opposition from local organizations. Critics argue that CoreCivic has a history of mismanagement and inhumane practices. The Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth and the ACLU of Kansas have been particularly vocal in their resistance, emphasizing the need for humane treatment and community-based solutions.

For more on CoreCivic’s controversial plans, check out this Kansas Reflector article.


Community Protests and Advocacy Efforts

As ICE activities increase in Kansas City, so do protests. Groups like PeaceWorks Kansas City and Boots on the Ground Midwest have organized rallies to demonstrate their opposition. Chants like “No hate, no fear: Immigrants are welcome here” echo through the streets, reflecting the community’s determination to stand against what they see as unjust policies.


Conclusion: A Unified Front Against ICE Activities

The collective efforts of Kansas City-area nonprofits and advocacy groups demonstrate a unified front against ICE activities and the proposed Leavenworth detention center. From legal advocacy to community organizing, these groups are working to protect immigrant rights and promote social justice.

For more stories on immigration advocacy, visit The Narrative Matters.

#ImmigrationRights #StopICE #KansasCityActivism

Samuel E. Ortiz
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