November 12, 2024

To Durham City Council,

We, the undersigned, are deeply concerned about the safety and well-being of Durham’s immigrant community, many of whom are under threat of deportation when the new federal administration is sworn in on January 20. The president-elect, who continues to vilify and target immigrants, “promised that his campaign pledge to expel an estimated 11 million people – though Trump himself has given a figure as high as 21 million – would be implemented come what may.” “It’s not a question of a price tag,” Trump told NBC.

Durham’s immigrants are our neighbors, friends, family members, and co- workers who contribute to our larger community’s rich cultural and economic life.

We call upon the City to act on its mission statement that “Durham citizens enjoy a vibrant city that embraces and promotes its cultural diversity and heritage,” where your number one stated goal is that “All Durham citizens are safe.” 

Therefore, we the undersigned, call upon you to issue an official statement that the city of Durham and its law enforcement agencies will not participate in or cooperate with the dangerous and inhumane plan for mass deportation of immigrant communities across the nation.