Victory in Florence: The People Said NO to 287(g) and YES to Community Care

acctholly
Jan 22
2 min read

Yesterday was a historic day for Pinal County.

We gathered in Florence at the Board of Supervisors meeting with a clear mission: to protect our neighbors and demand a government that serves all of us. The turnout was incredible. We stood shoulder-to-shoulder—community members, advocates, and families—united against the expansion of ICE powers in our county.

The Victory: NO to 287(g)

The message we delivered was loud and clear: We do not accept the harassment of our brown citizens, and we reject the use of local resources to do federal immigration enforcement work.

I am proud to share that the Board of Supervisors heard us. They made the decision to disapprove the Pinal County Attorney’s illegal 287(g) agreement, declaring it void. This is a massive victory for civil rights in our community. It stops an initiative that would have turned local investigators into immigration agents and opened the door to racial profiling and fear.

When we organize, we win.

FOX 10 News Coverage

The energy in the room was undeniable, and our powerful turnout didn't just catch the Board's attention; it brought out the media, too. FOX 10 News was present to document this crucial moment for civil rights in Pinal County. Their report captures the significance of this decision and shows what happens when the community shows up in force.

You can watch their full report on the meeting below:

https://youtu.be/RYq5Zi3-DhY?si=fCAsSeZxLjRo0sd9

My Statement to the Board

During the meeting, I had the opportunity to speak directly to the Supervisors. I spoke not just against the harms of 287(g), but for the needs of our most vulnerable residents.

https://youtu.be/hU6wjx10_wk (Watch my full statement to the Pinal County Board of Supervisors regarding 287(g) and the Section 811 PRA Program)

A New Path Forward: Section 811 PRA Program

Our advocacy didn't stop at saying "No." We also gave them something to say "Yes" to.

I brought forward the Section 811 Project Rental Assistance (PRA) Program, a crucial HUD initiative designed to provide long-term affordable housing and support services for people with disabilities and extremely low incomes.

Instead of dismissing this, the Board accepted my statement and committed to looking into the Section 811 PRA Program. This is a potential game-changer for our disabled community members who have been overlooked for too long. Shifting our county’s focus from enforcement and harassment to care and housing is exactly the direction we need to go.

Let's Keep the Momentum

This victory is just the beginning. We proved that they will listen when we show up, but now we must ensure they follow through. We must remain vigilant to ensure no back-door agreements are made with ICE, and keep the pressure up to secure the Section 811 housing funding.

Thank you especially to Elizabeth Lee, Queen Creek San TanValley Indivisible, RAZE-Rural Engagements, Voices For The Rare and everyone who came out, spoke up, and stood on the right side of history.

Pinal County Board of Supervisors Meeting