There have been pretty relentless ICE raids for about the past month in the area that I live. There has not been the massive round ups that have happened in other cities, but rather instead, the constant presence–the threat–has been hanging over the area, constantly reminding people of what could happen. A couple of people disappear here, a few more there–and it’s never quite enough to invoke outrage (or bring in the bad publicity of those massive raids) or mobilize the greater community.

That’s why it’s important to support smaller actions where ever we can. Ann Arbor (home of the University of Michigan) has legislation up for vote soon that would condemn SB1070. Not only is this morally good because it shows support to the people in Arizona–but it also would come within context of Michigan attempting to implement it’s own version of SB 1070.

Here is the call to action put out by the ACLU.

On Tuesday, July 6, Ann Arbor City Council will consider a resolution urging the repeal of Arizona’s Senate Bill 1070. Adoption of this resolution, sponsored by Council members Sabra Briere and Sandi Smith, will make Ann Arbor the first Michigan city to go on record against the anti-immigrant law. Read the resolution draft here >>

Arizona SB 1070 requires local law enforcement to investigate a person’s immigration status based on only the vague notion of “reasonable suspicion” that the person is in the Country unlawfully. Not only does this law invite racial profiling, it forces local police to redirect scarce resources away from the prevention of serious crime.

Michigan’s House and Senate have recently introduced copycat legislation. Michigan cities should go on record opposing such dangerous, unfair and discriminatory laws that run counter to the American values of freedom and equality.

Using the form below, tell Ann Arbor City Council members, Mayor Hieftje and City Attorney Stephen Postema that you support this resolution and that Ann Arbor should continue its long tradition of support for human rights through its adoption.

Please sign and support the petition–it’s a little thing, but it may wind up meaning something huge to the people who are being terrorized by ICE.

Thanks.