Starhawk

Rapid Response Can Save Someone’s Freedom

When someone is targeted or arrested unjustly, a quick response can make all the difference. Mohsen Mahdawi, Palestinian student activist, was detained by ICE at his citizenship interview, but swift action by his lawyers prevented the government from transferring him out of Vermont, and he was released after two weeks in detention.

How do we organize to provide that level of support for the many others who may be at risk of unjust arrest, deportation, or personal harassment?

If you know someone, some organization, or some community that may be at risk because of their race, gender, activism, immigration status of for some other reason, it’s important to prepare ahead of time for what could happen. If you are alone, now is a good time to form a team. If you have formed an action group, joined an affinity group or a political organization, you are in a good position to prepare, plan, take action and follow up.

This article offers suggestions as to how.