JCIJ February Newsletter
February 1, 2026 • 14 Shevat 5786
TASTE OF HONEY
As Rabbi Sharon Brous of IKAR said her in sermon last Shabbat,
“[We should] strive to manifest our values not only in our homes and our shuls, but on our streets. That is a call that comes with vast implications, as our country crosses the threshold from flawed democracy into fascist state. But please hear me: we are not overreacting. We are UNDERreacting. Where 1,000 people are showing up to block raids, what if there were 100,000? Where Minnesota, one state, successfully pulled off the largest worker action in the state’s history, a state-wide strike yesterday, we need all 50 states to do so in coordination! Whereas one European leader urgently voiced his concerns about the overturning of the liberal world order, imagine if they all did.”
We know we’re more powerful together, and we need to bring more and more people to action. Together, we can show how strong we can be when we work as a collective. In the last two weeks, we’ve seen people come together to defend the rights and dignity of impacted communities and fight against federal overreach, in Minneapolis, in Seattle, and in Olympia.
On January 22, a group of JCIJ staff, Board, volunteers, and community joined WAISN, organizations, and individuals from across the state to advocate for immigrant rights at the Capitol in Olympia during IRAD (Immigrant Refugee and Advocacy Day). We heard powerful voices from speakers, elected officials, organizations, and community that called on our state and communities to:
Protect immigrant communities from federal overreach, deportation defense, and data protection. (See full list here.)
Maintain current programs that offer health equity and support to immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers
Provide funding for WAISN’s Deportation Defense Hotline, through which JCIJ receives Accompaniment Referrals.
Pass the Domestic Workers Bill of Rights, extending labor protections to domestic workers.
See JCIJ’s Legislative Priorities, which echo those of the WAISN.
As part of IRAD, participants were grouped by legislative district and had the chance to meet with their representatives to advocate for priorities above. JCIJ folks from numerous legislative districts were there and spoke with representatives like Senator Javier Valdez and Representative Darya Farivar, relating experiences from JCIJ’s Accompaniment Program to support our requests for increased funding for the Deportation Defense Hotline and the prevention of federal overreach. What a powerful experience and reminder that we have voice and power to make change! Thank you so much to WAISN for organizing IRAD, including transportation for communities across the state, and to the JCIJ community members who joined us in Olympia.
IRAD wasn’t the only recent event that showed that our collective voices are more powerful together. On Monday, January 26, the Washington for All Coalition, which includes JCIJ, organized a rally and training at the Federal Building in downtown Seattle, demanding that ICE leave our cities. Hundreds joined us to demonstrate against ICE and show solidarity with Minneapolis, calling on members of Congress to stop funding ICE and prevent them from terrorizing our cities. Thank you for taking action!
As JCIJ’S Executive Director Andrea Soroko Naar said on KOMO News the night of the rally, the “demand for accompaniment [to high stakes immigration appointments] has gone up so much” as federal immigration enforcement has increased.
Community power here and across the country has created real impact: Thanks to campaigns across the country, Senate Democrats and Independents voted against increasing ICE funding.
We’re so grateful for our communities who are taking action! But we still need to grow our movement and keep up the fight for impacted community and for our democracy. Let’s work together to bring more people in. Send your family, friends, neighbors, and congregations action alerts, like the one below, to make our voice stronger. Join JCIJ’s Community Response List to receive alerts about how to mobilize. And keep reading this newsletter to find more ways to take action with JCIJ and other organizations!
Washingtonians successfully called on Senators Cantwell and Murray to block the appropriations bill that would increase DHS, and therefore ICE, funding. However, Congress is now working on a new bill and we need to keep holding our representatives accountable to their constituents!
Join Bend the Arc’s email campaign to demand not one more dollar for ICE’s cruelty and meaningful restrictions to stop ICE’s ceaseless violence. Urge your members of Congress to protect our communities from ICE violence!
ACCOMPANIMENT STORIES
Federal immigration enforcement has escalated across the country, and our region is no exception. Members of the JCIJ community have seen the impact of this escalation, both while volunteering for JCIJ and other organizations.
Sarah Banks, one of JCIJ’s experienced Accompaniment Volunteers, shared a story in December about a father and his 10-year-old daughter that she had accompanied as they navigated seeking asylum.
“In December, three JCIJ accompaniment volunteers and I hosted dinner at one of our homes for a father and daughter from Guatemala. They had traveled from Spokane and we had been aided by Olga in Spokane, an immigrants' rights paralegal. Olga had followed their story (which includes two uncles) for several years. Our team included a lawyer, a Spanish speaker, and two new to accompaniment--one who studied up on 'polite noises' in K'iche, Dad Arnoldo's first and best language. Michael's polite noises broke the ice and Liz's soup gathered us around a table to talk about the next day's Court date. We had not counted on ten year old Karla's perfect English and maturity.
“So dinner and conversation progressed, Karla and I explaining things to her Dad, with her occasionally slipping into K'iche. When we met at Court the next day, no Judge. Father and daughter were given a return date two years out. Disappointed but relieved we now had several hours to while away before the bus departure. Karla was dressed for Court but not for a stroll on Waterfront Park so instead we retreated to my nearby art studio. Karla sat at my drafting table with paper, pencils, watercolors and created a beautiful image of a happy, self possessed young girl--then signed and gave it to me.
“I spoke with Olga after they left--Karla is quite remarkable, I said. So say all of us, she agreed.
So we were saddened to learn that Karla and her Dad were, Court date notwithstanding, detained in Spokane two weeks ago and sent to Dilley Detention Center in Texas. Her classroom teacher, parents and friends in Spokane immediately organized a Gofundme site, last seen at $12k. And JCIJ has put $ in their commissary account. The story continues.”
Karla and Arnoldo's story was reported in The Spokesman-Review on January 22, 2026; other regional outlets, including The Seattle Times, reported on this story as well.
On January 9, when Arnoldo dropped Karla off at her elementary school, federal immigration officials followed and detained him, transferring both Arnoldo and Karla to an immigration detention facility in Texas. They now await a court date in March. JCIJ was able to send Arnoldo and Karla money for their commissary account thanks to JCIJ’s Urgent Needs Fund, made possible with support from the JCIJ community. Donations to this fund enable JCIJ to award grants to immigrant community members based on specific one-time or ongoing assistance needs.
Spokane community, leaders, and state officials, including the governor and Sen. Murray, have commented on the case: “President Trump says he’s going after criminals – tell me what crime this 10-year-old committed. Spokane has been her home since she was four while her dad sought asylum,” Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson said in a statement. “Now she’s in a detention facility in Texas. This is wrong and un-American.”
Please note: Because Arnoldo decided to go public with their story, we revealed personal information normally kept confidential in line with JCIJ’s Accompaniment Principles.
JCIJ EVENTS
WA Legislative Update & Sanctuary Homes Training
Tuesday, February 24, 2026 | 6:00-7:30 PM | Zoom
Join Hand in Hand, Casa Latina, and JCIJ for a powerful, action-oriented training designed for domestic employers and allies. As attacks on immigrant communities grow, we all have a role to play: especially those of us who employ or rely on immigrant care workers. Together in this virtual training, we'll learn about the importance of passing legislation now, along with supporting immigrant and domestic worker rights, and how we can take meaningful action in defense of immigrant communities across the state. Whether you hire a nanny, house cleaner, or home care worker, receive care, or stand in solidarity with immigrant communities—this training is for you.
SAVE THE DATE: JCIJ’s Annual Dinner in Community
Sunday, May 3, 2026 | Doors open at 5:30 PM
Save the date for our annual Dinner in Community! We’ll gather on Sunday, May 3, 2026 in Seattle to celebrate the JCIJ community and grow our impact. Registration coming soon!
Support those in need in the Twin Cities with the Yesod Mutual Aid Fund, organized by the Shir Tikvah Congregation in Minneapolis. The Yesod Fund provides flexible, direct support to individuals and families navigating instability and harm, particularly those most impacted by ICE and the occupation of the Twin Cities. Direct aid to individuals and families reflects our belief that those closest to harm best understand what support is needed, and that safety and stability are sacred.
A group is supporting immigrant justice organizations across the country through their fundraiser Immigrants Are Us, selling clothing with humorous anti-ICE messaging. Like with the dancing dinosaurs in Portland earlier this year, we can use humor to diminish power! They have selected 17 non-profits, including JCIJ and Northwest Immigrant Rights Project, to benefit from this fundraiser.
COMMUNITY EVENTS
FreeWA: Organizing the Resistance: Voices from Minnesota
Wednesday, February 4 | 5:30-7:00 PM | Zoom
The Free Washington Project is hosting a virtual panel discussion featuring organizers who have played integral roles in building resistance and coordinated action in Minnesota. Panelists, including Rabbi David Basior, will share concrete strategies and lessons learned from recent actions to help mobilize communities under rapidly escalating conditions. The conversation will also explore how people in Washington can prepare our communities for coordinated, effective resistance. The event will include time for panelists to respond to written questions submitted by attendees.
NWIRP: Immigration Habeas Petitions in the Western District of Washington Training - For Immigration Attorneys Only
Thursday, February 5 | 3:00 PM | Zoom
This CLE will focus on the Western District of Washington's new General Order 10-25, covering habeas petitions challenging civil immigration detention. Presenters will cover important developments regarding changes to initial filings, case scheduling, and temporary restraining orders regarding habeas immigration petitions. Please note: This training is only for licensed attorneys, and your bar number is required for registration.
WAISN: Rapid Response Training
Friday, February 6 | 6:00-8:00 PM | Zoom | English & Spanish
Join this virtual training to learn more about existing rapid response networks across the state that mobilize for deportation defense, and work to support communities and keep families together.
WAISN: Know Your Rights Training
Wednesday, February 11 | 6:00-7:30 PM | Zoom | English & Spanish
Join this virtual workshop to learn how to support yourself and your community during encounters with immigration enforcement agents. This Know Your Rights training covers what to do if Immigration and Customs Enforcement comes to your home or workplace, how to identify valid warrants, and how to assert your rights safely.
Casa Latina: Valentine’s Day Fundraiser
Saturday, February 14, 2026 | Brunch (Midday) or Dinner (Evening)
Join Casa Latina for a community-led fundraiser rooted in leadership, culture, and connection. This event is organized and led by Mujeres Sin Fronteras, a women-led organizing group within Casa Latina. Proceeds from this fundraiser directly support Casa Latina. Come be in community, connect, and learn more about Casa Latina’s community organizing work led by Mujeres Sin Fronteras.
JFS: Torah for Our Time
Thursday, February 19 | 12:00-1:30 PM
Join Rabbi Ronit Tsadok, Director of Project Kavod at Jewish Family Service, for monthly, stand-alone learning opportunities that draw on wisdom and spiritual tools. Project Kavod at JFS connects our critical work to the core Jewish values that inspire and guide our mission. All members of the Jewish community are warmly invited to participate. A kosher, vegetarian lunch will be provided.
VOLUNTEER
New Volunteer Opportunity: Court Observation Project
JCIJ is supporting a new court observation project from the RIverton Park United Methodist Church. The project is looking for volunteers to observe the downtown Seattle immigration courtrooms Monday through Thursday and track what is happening regarding motions to pretermit asylum cases. The federal government wants these asylum seekers sent to a third country on the premise that our government has reached an agreement (Asylum Cooperative Agreement - ACA) with this third country and that the asylum seeker can get a full and fair hearing of their claim for asylum in that third country.
We need many volunteers who can commit to 2-hour court observation slots over the next few months to observe what’s happening in court, gathering data to help support immigration lawyers and impacted community. You'll choose the time slots and frequency that works for you. You'll receive training and the tools you need to participate in this important and timely project.
JCIJ Supports Free Legal Clinics!
Volunteer at a monthly day-long Asylum Clinic. This clinic is held on weekends. We are seeking immigration lawyers or paralegals; non-immigration lawyers and paralegals; and people who have sufficient fluency in Spanish, Lingala, French, Haitian-Creole or Portuguese to serve as interpreters.
Adopt a Day Labor Corner | The National Day Laborer Organizing Network
The National Day Laborer Organizing Network (NDLON) is calling on all allies to Adopt a Day Labor Corner in your local community. If you are not at risk of deportation, NDLON asks you to consider taking action today. Adopt a Day Labor Corner asks you to go where day laborers congregate–like big box home improvement stores–where immigrant day laborers are at extreme risk of harassment and arrest. Choose a location convenient to you and commit to showing up regularly. Fill out the form on NDLON’s website to find out more and get connected to people in our local communities who have already adopted a corner.
MEETING THIS MOMENT
Know someone who wants to be accompanied to their immigration appointment or hearing?
Contact the WAISN Hotline at 1-844-724-3737, Monday-Friday from 6am-6pm, and request accompaniment. Note: Please give as much lead time as possible. The Jewish Coalition will dispatch trained accompaniment volunteers.
View printable Accompaniment flyers in English, Spanish, French, Portuguese, and Lingala at tinyurl.com/flyersjcij.
RESOURCES
NWIRP Resources | Northwest Immigrant Rights Project
Informational videos and PowerPoint slideshows for asylum seekers to help navigate the immigration court and asylum process. In English, Spanish, French, and Portuguese.
Know Your Rights Resources - Every person in the United States has certain basic rights regardless of citizenship.
If you know someone who is currently detained at the Northwest Detention Center, please contact NWIRP at detainedreferrals@nwirp.org or call NWIRP at 253-383-0519/ 877-814-6444.
Family Safety Plans by Legal Counsel for Youth and Children (LCYC)
Immigrant Safety Plan document - Safety planning for families who could be targeted is critical. Share this resource widely!
WAISN Resources for Deportation Defense | Washington Immigrant Solidarity Network
Four Deportation Defense Actions You Can Take Today highlights important steps we can take now to protect immigrant rights. Share widely!
Know Your Rights flyers and information in English, Spanish, French, Lingala, Portuguese, and Somali.
Additional Flyers and Resources about the Keep Washington Working Act.
Support the Fair Fight Bond Fund.
Know Your Rights App
This app developed by the National Korean American Service and Education Consortium (NAKASEC) is in many languages and has the ability to read your rights out loud to an ICE or law enforcement agent and send a message to an emergency contact.
LOCAL NEWS
Since August, the University of Washington Center for Human Rights has verified nine cases where Washington drivers were subjected to immigration enforcement while driving, following a search of their license plate number in the Washington Department of Licensing (DOL)’s database by federal agents using a national data-sharing platform called Nlets, made possible through the Washington State Patrol (WSP)’s ACCESS platform.
Ferguson, Brown pledge legal action if ICE violates WA residents’ rights | The Seattle Times
WA laws must keep up to protect rights amid ICE enforcement | The Seattle Times
WA leaders prepare for possibility of immigration crackdown | Washington State Standard
What are your rights if you encounter ICE? (Podcast) | KUOW
Washington scrambles to regulate license-plate cameras | Investigate West
Washington Deportation Defense Hotline Seeks State Funding as Calls Surge | South Seattle Emerald
Washington State Senate passes mask ban to curb federal immigration enforcement tactics | KUOW
Mayor Wilson instructs Seattle police to document immigration activity | Seattle Times
FEDERAL NEWS
Live updates: ICE shooting in Minneapolis & responses | New York Times
The ICE surge is fueling fear and anxiety among Twin Cities children | NPR
Democrats Embrace a Shutdown Fight They Wanted to Avoid | New York Times
What to know about the warrants most immigration agents use to make arrests | Associated Press
Users say TikTok stifled political posts about ICE shooting as platform faltered | Washington Post
As Tech Chiefs Woo Trump, Silicon Valley Seethes Over Minneapolis Shootings | New York Times
Asylum Pretermission Ruling Erodes Procedural Protections | Law360
The Best Weapon You Have in the Fight Against ICE | New York Times
ICE’s No. 1 Ally | The Atlantic
A Crisis of Confidence for ICE and Border Patrol as Clashes Escalate | New York Times
SONGS IN THE KEY OF JCIJ
Curated by Dina Burstein
Can you recommend a song that inspires resistance to fascism? Send it to Dina at dina@jewishcoalition.org and we’ll include it in upcoming newsletters.
Fela Kuti - Let's Start - A song to inspire us to fight hard against oppression and corruption, in 1970’s Nigeria, and in the US today. The lyrics of Nigerian musician and political activist Fela Kuti are a call to arms, urging listeners to rise up and join the struggle for justice and equality.
Cumbia de Mi Barrio - Las Cafeteras - This song by LA band Las Cafeteras weaves together Peruvian Huayno, Afro-Colombian beats and Mexican rhythms to create an explosion of sounds, stories and memory that remind us of our connection to the Land, our Barrios, MOVEment and Joy.
Vienna Teng - Lullaby For A Stormy Night - I have awakened afraid every day of 2026. In this song, American pianist and singer-songwriter Vienna Teng sings, “Little child, be not afraid… I am here tonight.” It speaks to me.
Streets of Minneapolis - Bruce Springsteen captures the moment.
Our Native Daughters - Music and Joy - And we need to have some music and joy, too, right?
Be in touch with the Jewish Coalition for Immigrant Justice NW
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