Wesley hosts Rapid Responder Network Volunteer Training

More than 120 people crowded into the Wesley Fellowship Hall on Saturday, January 11 for a Volunteer Training for the Rapid Response Network. After introductions by Susan Hayase of San Jose Nikkei Resisters and a welcome from Mark Teagle, Jesus Ruiz, an organizer for Pangea Legal Services, talked about how to respond to ICE actions against our neighbors. By calling the Rapid Response Network hotline (408-290-1144), responders are sent to confirm if the ICE activity is happening, to document by filming, and updating the dispatcher. Then legal representatives will follow up. "Our volunteers are trained to observe from a safe distance and to take notes and video record ICE activity," Ruiz remarked. Those interested in continuing will be sent more information by the Network. The Network also does Know Your Rights workshops for those at risk of being detained by ICE. This event was co-sponsored by San Jose Nikkei Resisters, San Jose Buddhist Church Betsuin, and Wesley. More information about Ruiz and his organization can be found here: (https://www.pangealegal.org/jesus-ruiz)

Jesus Ruiz of Pangea Legal Services leads the training.

More than 120 people participated.