Soon after our March 1 Immigration Consensus meeting, Wendy Courtemanche invited interested League members to meet and consider the next steps. The group’s focus promptly turned to understanding how our county is responding to increased ICE activity, deportations and family separations in the community.
Here are ways that you can learn more about the current situation and possibly offer your support.
Get the Facts about immigrant Rights
Northwest Immigrant Rights Project (NWIRP)
Northwest Immigrant Rights Project promotes justice by defending and advancing the rights of immigrants through direct legal services, systemic advocacy, and community education. They have useful information and resources on their website.
WA Immigrant Solidarity Network (WAISN)
WAISN is the largest immigrant-led coalition in Washington. They are a powerful, volunteer-driven network of immigrant and refugee-rights organizations and individuals across the state that strives to protect, serve and strengthen communities. WAISN has organized Rapid response teams of volunteers ready to observe ICE action. WAISN offers trainings on Zoom for community members so they can engage safely and within the law.
Know Your Rights/Conozca Sus Derechos
• Thursday, June 12, 2025, 6 pm–8 pm
Rapid Response training/Respuesta Rápida
• Thursday, May 29, 2025, 6 pm–8 pm
• Thursday, Jun 26, 2025, 6 pm–8 pm
Contribute money or goods
Financial donations are critically needed by local organizations giving direct assistance to families impacted by the Mt Baker Roofing Company ICE raid and other ICE arrests.
Immigrant Resources and Immediate Support (IRIS)
IRIS primarily serves immigrant women and children who are survivors of violence. IRIS responds to the urgent and unmet needs of immigrants in our communities in Whatcom, Skagit and Snohomish counties, connects them to other services and provides for physical needs. Donations can be made on their website.
Department of Family Engagement Center and Family Resource Centers at Bellingham Public Schools
Isabel Meaker is the Director. This is the department that has been working with immigrant families for a number of years and is now very busy assisting students and families who have lost a family member or are fearful of deportation. Contributions to the Bellingham Public Schools Foundation may be earmarked to support the Family Engagement Center.
The Department of Family Engagement also manages the Family Resource Center (FRC) locations at Shuksan Middle School and Carl Cozier Elementary School where families can get information and basic necessities. Their website lists specific items that are most needed.
Racial Unity Now
Financial donations for the 37 roofers’ legal fund are being received by Racial Unity Now, Lynden, with 100% going to the roofers and their families. You can donate online here.
Whatcom Community Foundation - Contributions to the Immigrant Relief Fund are making a big difference. $50,000 has been disbursed to various organizations to assist families with basic needs and legal stipends. Funds are also being used to help local agencies increase their capacity to meet community needs.
Volunteer your time & skills
Whatcom Literacy Council (WLC), Whatcom Literacy Council offers free English Language Learner programs and more in Whatcom County
WLC organizes volunteers to teach English in a variety of settings – as a classroom instructor or assistant at Whatcom Community College and Bellingham Tech College, or as a one-on-one tutor. WLC always appreciates financial donations on their website or at local fundraising events.
A Watered Garden in Everson, A Watered Garden Family Learning Center
Cheryl Brown is the director. They offer English classes, Citizenship prep and GED tutoring, and other services as the need arises, such as family emergency paperwork assistance.
Whatcom Faith Community Immigrant Support team (WFCIS) has united the work of multiple different faith communities who are offering support in different ways; members may check with their own faith community to become involved.
The League immigration group will meet on Thursday, May 29 to explore possible partnerships to support immigrants. Please contact Wendy Courtemanche wcourte94@gmail.com for meeting details or more information.
