No Papers No Fear’ Delegation Makes First Stop in North Carolina Towards Democratic National Convention, Supports Undocumented Immigrants of Asheville

A national delegation of undocumented immigrants visits western North Carolina to challenge practice of constant police check-points targeting undocumented immigrants, racial profiling and support workers in deportation proceedings, specifically those targeted in the 2011 Shogun Restaurant immigration raid. The No Papers No Fear riders arrive after a series of direct actions and civil disobedience rallying the migrant community to overcome fear and organize to challenge anti-immigrant policies.

Asheville, NC – For the last 6 weeks three dozen undocumented immigrants have traveled across the southern United States sharing their stories living and organizing undocumented, supporting local organizing taking place in immigrant communities, and challenging Sheriffs that are implementing anti-immigrant policies designed to scare immigrant communities. The arrive into North Carolina after a successful civil disobedience in Knoxville, Tennessee, where 2 undocumented riders and 2 allies were arrested, and then let go, proving once again the power of being out of the shadows and having an organized community.

In Asheville, they will work with advocates in Western North Carolina who over the last six years have been organizing against racial profiling, deportations, and the use of police check points targeting Latinos and undocumented immigrants.  These practices have eroded the trust between local police and Latino communities, and have made our communities less safe.  Additionally, in November 2011 Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) conducted a work place raid at the Shogun restaurant, that has led to 12 workers being placed in deportation proceedings. The workers have continued to organize and defend their right to work, and welcome the national delegation.  Osvaldo Solis, one of the Shogun workers said that he welcomes the riders, and hopes "that their visit will let other people know about the injustices that happen here in Asheville." 

The No Papers No Fear Ride for Justice is a national delegation of undocumented people and allies that left Phoenix, Arizona on the anniversary of the state's implementation of SB1070, July 29th. The riders are undocumented people from all over the country and their allies, including mothers, fathers, day laborers, people in deportation proceedings, students, and many others who continue to face threats of deportation, harassment, and death while simply looking for a better life in the only nation many of them know and call home.

What: Cultural and story-sharing event, “Undocunight, Una Noche de Sueños y Esperanza”
When: Thursday August 30, 2012; 5:00 PM (Press welcome at 5:30).
Where: WNCCHS Fellowship Hall, 312 Haywood Rd, Asheville, NC
Who: Participants of the No Papers No Fear Ride for Justice and community supporters

What: Action and rally at Shogun Buffet
When: Thursday August 30, 2012; 7:30 PM [Driving from Cultural night event]
Where: Shogun Buffet, 1000 Brevard Road, Asheville, North Carolina
Who: Former Shogun Restaurant workers in deportation proceedings, No Papers No Fear participants, community supporters.

What: Visit to the Jackson County Sheriff Office
When: Friday August 31, 2012; 11 AM [Call for time confirmation]
Where: Jackson County Sheriff’s office, 399 Grindstaff Cove Road, Sylva, NC
Who: Undocumented immigrants on the No Papers No Fear ride, including organizers against Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio in Arizona.

More information on the No Papers No Fear Ride for Justice is available at www.nopapersnofear.org and follow @undocubus on twitter for updates.

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