Quick ICE update
Context for last night's results in TN7
Hello all.
Thank you to those who have trained with Siembra (or another group) to patrol neighborhoods, dispatch volunteers and verify sightings. Others have volunteered at schools and to pack food. More have donated and supported our community however you can. Durham is showing up.
We are fortunate to live among such generous hearted people.
Thus far, Siembra is reporting that there has not been any unusual ICE activity in the Triangle.
On Dec. 1, they wrote:
As of 2 PM…we have not verified any unusual ICE activity in the state over the last two days.
ICE continues to conduct traffic stop arrests in the Charlotte area on a daily basis. Custodial arrests—detentions that take place after someone is taken into custody— are most likely occurring as usual. We do not know if the Department of Homeland Security has changed its operational plans. Only DHS and NC House Speaker Destin Hall will know what ICE is planning to do next in our state, and they’re not giving a clear answer.
We will continue to provide updates on any activity we confirm.
Call the hotline at (336) 543-0353 to report suspected immigration enforcement activity.
Go to ojonc.org to see our OJO Obrero map of confirmed reports.
Why last night’s Tennessee Congressional District 7 Election matters for NC.
In a special election yesterday, Democrat Aftyn Behn moved the needle significantly in an unwinnable district for Democrats. It is unwinnable, because of extreme partisan gerrymandering, much like we have here in NC, after the MAGA NC Supreme Court overturned fair maps in 2023.
This is a closeup of TN7. Note how the Democratic stronghold of Nashville is split into THREE separate districts, diluting what should be a solid Democratic seat. That yellow, pink and green meeting at Nashville means the city is carved up like, well…uneven slices of pie.
Look at this shift in the graphic below.
This would be like a Republican getting close to winning Durham, with our usual ~70-75% Dem vote. This district went from R+22 in 2024 to R+9 yesterday, an 11 point shift overall. That is significant.
Yesterday’s election, though a predictable loss, is significant. Don’t be discouraged by that loss. The shift should give you hope.
We have equally “creative” districts here in NC. That’s why we must work to re-elect Justice Anita Earls and Democrats to the NCGA. The NC Supreme Court and getting rid of a supermajority in the NCGA is our path to fair maps.
If we do our work to register voters, get out the vote by leafletting, canvassing and phone banking, sign up to be poll watchers, drivers to the polls and talk to everyone we know, we have a very good shot at winning big in 2026. As Heather Cox Richardson discusses, now is not the time to let up! Pick your lane for next year and put your foot on the gas. This is a great little two minute synopsis of what we need to do.
“now is the time to keep the pressure up… and for the next several months…right now the more you are involved at the local level and the state level…in protests, economic as well as political, supporting your neighbors…spreading the word…”
“Figure out what your lane is and start getting involved with people who do that…”
Calls:
Please continue to call
Senators
Thom Tillis: D.C. (202) 224-6342
Ted Budd: D.C. 202-224-3154
Suggested Script: “This is (name) from (zip). I was glad to see that Senators Wicker and Reed are launching a bipartisan inquiry into probable war crimes committed by Pete Hegseth in the Carribbean. I want the Senator to support this fully; the actions of the United States targeting innocent civilians without due process has to end. I want a full investigation. If we are to be at war, it must happen only with Congressional authorization. Thank you.”
For other calls, use 5calls.org or Jessica Craven’s ChopWood Carry Water.
Re: ICE in NC CALL
Thom Tillis: D.C. (202) 224-6342
Ted Budd: D.C. 202-224-3154
NC House Speaker Destin Hall 919-733-3451
This is (name) from (zip). I want ICE and Border patrol out of North Carolina. They are bringing violence and destruction to innocents, not violent criminals. Kids aren’t going to school. People are going hungry. There was a bipartisan immigration bill last year that then-candidate Trump destroyed. Remember, in most cases, even if people are in the US illegally, it is a civil, not a criminal offense. Being detained by masked men throwing you in the back of an SUV is not due process. Defend all your constituents and call for them to leave immediately.
A FEW EVENTS:
Thursday Dec. 4 Phone Bank with Durham For All and Durham Rising 6-8 Register here
Join Durham for All and Durham Rising for weekly community engagement phonebanks!
We are building a movement of Durham community members who fight together for the resources we need to thrive. From full funding for our public schools to fair wages for workers to expanding affordable housing, the people of Durham deserve better. Join us to call our neighbors and talk about what it will take to build a Durham that works for all of us!
Please join the Zoom by computer at the start of your shift. We will conduct a full dialer and script training the first 20-30 mins of each shift before we dive right into calling. We will end each phonebank with a debrief - please plan to stay on for the full shift.
Thursday Dec. 11 In person or virtual
This organization is great! Help elect Democrats to the NCGA in neighboring swing districts. Check them out at this event.
C2C+NoC Party with a Purpose. More info and register here
We’re a volunteer-fueled organization dedicated to helping Democrats take back the state legislature in North Carolina. We do this by partnering with candidates for office, and also by partnering with local county parties to help strengthen critical infrastructure and build coalitions. Join us at venues across the Triangle to express our gratitude to the wonderful NCGA legislators, candidates, and stalwart county party chairs who have connected with us this year. We’ll write thank-you notes over snacks, drinks and chit chat and enjoy the company of special guests.
Tuesday Dec. 16, 7 pm. Watch, participate virtually or attend a City Council Meeting
Getting involved at the local level makes a difference. Here’s one way.
City Council welcomes and encourages civic participation and debate. There are many ways for community members to stay informed and offer input in the decision-making process including City Council meetings and work sessions.
