Many of you may have seen the horrific news out of Biddeford, Maine today: Joan Sebastian Guerrero, an innocent 26 year old man on his way to work, was murdered by ICE agents—reportedly in front of his family, including his young child. While there is no world in which anything would justify this act, reports indicate that ICE agents stopped the wrong vehicle while attempting to execute an arrest warrant; Guerrero was not the target of this warrant. He committed no crimes, was legally authorized to live and work in the US, and was murdered in the street where his body was left for more than five hours.
While Maine experienced a surge in ICE activity at the beginning of the year, national coverage of this activity ceased when out-of-state agents retreated. ICE activity did not stop here in Maine, as made very clear by today's events.
The Maine Solidarity Fund was created last year by a collective of frontline organizations, cultural anchors, and direct service providers with deep ties to Maine’s Black and Brown immigrant and trans communities. The fund was designed to provide rapid-response funding to members of our most targeted communities. Since the fund's creation, well over $1,000,000 has been distributed to nearly 500 immigrant and trans Mainers.
Prior to today's events, the fund was running very low. Donations have begun to pick up in the aftermath of this shooting, but more are desperately needed. The organizations at the heart of the MSF are in contact with Guerrero's family and are at the helm of the state's anti-ICE structures and initiatives, including upcoming actions related to this shooting.
To those wishing to support immigrant communities in Maine, donating to the Maine Solidarity Fund is a wonderful way to do so.
(Please note that on the donation page, you may see that we've raised more than $1,000,000 out of our $2,000,000 goal. Almost all of what's been raised has been distributed—that number does not reflect funds currently available.)
Other important resources tied to the MSF and affiliated organizations include:
The Maine Immigrant Defense Hotline: A statewide and community-led rapid response and resource network providing real-time information, safety monitoring, and mutual aid for immigrant communities across Maine.
LighthouseME: A statewide resource hub connecting immigrant communities with trusted services and support.
Thank you, all. Please share if you're able.
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