Mass rally to free detained farmworkers, new petition to free Arbey!

Hundreds of farmworkers and allies rallied in an emergency mobilization demanding the release of eight dairy workers arrested in their home by Border Patrol agents earlier this week. As farmworkers led the march through downtown Burlington, their chants reverberated: “When immigrant rights are under attack, what do we do? Stand up, fight back!”

Add your name calling for freedom for farmworkers. Join thousands of others demanding their release!

The recent detention has become national news, an example of escalating attacks against immigrant communities. Elected officials have denounced the arrests and signaled support for those detained. And while shaken by the detention, the immigrant farmworker community in Vermont remains resolute in the fight for human rights. Community leader Rossy Alfaro, speaking at tonight’s livestreamed rally, said:

“We are marching today so that our detained community members know that they are not alone, so that they know that there is a strong and united community behind them, fighting for their freedom!”

While this week’s on-farm arrest is one of the largest in recent history, it is part of a larger pattern of attacks against immigrant farmworkers. Just two weeks ago, federal agents stopped and detained community member Arbey Lopez while he was on his way to the same farm where workers were detained on Monday night. Arbey is now held in detention and at risk of deportation.

On April 9th at 5am, Border Patrol agents pulled over Arbey as he was driving to deliver groceries to farmworkers coming off their overnight shift. Agents threatened to break his car windows and ultimately pulled him out of his vehicle.

Arbey is a long-time member of the farmworker community in Vermont, a dedicated father, and a member of human rights organization Migrant Justice. Through Migrant Justice, Arbey has been part of successful campaigns to expand access to driver’s licenses, prevent police discrimination against immigrants, and launch the Milk with Dignity Program. During the height of the first Milk with Dignity campaign, Arbey led an historic 13-mile march to demand rights for farmworkers.

Arbey must be freed, so he can return to his family and community in Vermont. Sign the petition to demand freedom and a stop to his deportation!

 

Dear Immigration Judge,

I am writing in support of Arbey Lopez Lopez (A# 206-982-754). Mr. Lopez is a member of the farmworker community in Vermont. He has deep community ties, including through his participation in local community organization Migrant Justice. As a member of Migrant Justice, he has been a leader in efforts to promote labor and civil rights. We write to urge his release on bond and any relief he seeks, so that he can be free to return to his family and community in Vermont.

Sincerely