Dear Friend,
Since the Trump administration took office, we have seen the expansion of detentions and deportations across the U.S., which threaten the safety of our communities. Earlier this month, President Trump signed a bill that allocates billions of dollars in federal funding for anti-immigrant policies, including expanding detention centers and adding thousands more ICE and Border Patrol agents.
In response, our staff are working tirelessly to offer Know Your Rights trainings and advocate for policies that respect the rights and dignity of all immigrants. And their work is being recognized. In New Jersey, our Immigrant Rights Program was recently named as a recipient of the 2025 American Immigration Lawyers Association New Jersey Chapter Pro Bono Champion award. The award recognizes the program as a leading provider of direct legal immigration services in the state. In San Diego, California, Pedro Rios, director of AFSC’s U.S.-Mexico Border Program, was awarded the Nancy Jamison Social Justice Award. The award recognizes Pedro’s over 30 years working with immigrant communities.
While it is heartbreaking to witness the cruelty of harmful and violent immigration policies, it gives me hope to see the impact our activism and advocacy can have. AFSC recently launched our Stronger with Immigrants campaign. This campaign intends to mobilize people to push back against anti-immigrant policies and narratives, end unjust detention and deportation, and protect immigrants’ rights. I hope you will join us in taking action.
Here are some more ways to engage with AFSC, plus a few updates on our work:
Stop ICE Abductions and Block the Bombs webinar (Tuesday, July 22 at 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT): (Tuesday, July 22 at 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT): Join us for a critical conversation with Congresswoman Delia Ramirez, who introduced the Block the Bombs Act, to prevent the Trump administration from sending weapons to Israel. We’ll also be joined by Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University graduate student and outspoken advocate for Palestine, who is currently suing the Trump administration after being detained for over 100 days without charges. This webinar explores the deep connections between attacks on migrants in the U.S., the weaponization of ICE against activists, and U.S. participation in Israel’s occupation and genocide against Palestinians. Register today.
Quarterly Quaker Liaison Call (Wednesday, July 23 at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT): AFSC liaisons are invited to join our call to hear about AFSC’s work and share updates from your meeting. In July, we will hear from Brett Heinz, AFSC’s global policy coordinator for economic and climate justice. Brett will share about the Vanguard S.O.S. campaign and how Friends can get involved. We will also share other AFSC resources that may be helpful to Friends and create opportunities for connection among liaisons across the U.S. Register today.
Quakers and a 300-Mile Testimony: Quakers Walk to Washington: AFSC is a co-sponsor of season four of “Quakers Today,” the companion podcast to Friends Journal. This special episode highlights how Quakers in the U.S. are taking a stand for immigrant rights. It focuses on the “Quaker Walk to Washington,” a pilgrimage rooted in the historical struggle for religious freedom and the Quaker testimonies of peace and justice. This episode also features Imani Cruz, AFSC’s global policy coordinator for migration justice. She explains AFSC’s ongoing advocacy for more fair and humane immigration policies. Listen now.
Migration justice in Costa Rica: After advocacy by AFSC and partners, the Costa Rican government granted temporary humanitarian status to 200 migrants deported from the U.S. and detained in Costa Rica. AFSC is continuing to support the migrants who were detained. Our staff have partnered with local Quakers who have offered to host several migrant families while they resettle. Read more.
AFSC staff reflections on visiting Intermountain Yearly Meeting: In June, Patrick Jaramillo, AFSC New Mexico Program co-director, attended the Intermountain Yearly Meeting Annual Gathering. Its theme was “Beloved Community: Gathered in Courage and Care.” In this interview, Patrick shares about his experiences connecting with Friends in Colorado. Read more.
QUAKER COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT: At their annual gathering in May, Quakers in Britain became the first British church to state their belief that the Israeli government is committing genocide in Gaza. Read the full statement of Britain Yearly Meeting
Meeting for Worship with attention to peace in Palestine and Israel: Please join us every Thursday at 5:30 p.m. ET / 2:30 p.m. PT as we worship with Friends from across the U.S.
You are also invited to attend our weekly Action Hour for Palestine, every Friday at 12 p.m. ET / 9 a.m. PT. Hear updates from AFSC staff and take collective action as we contact our elected officials. Please share this invitation with members of your Meeting and communities.
Thank you for your continued support of AFSC and all you do to create a more just and peaceful world!
With care,
Ainsley Bruton (they/them)
Quaker Engagement Coordinator
P.S. You're always welcome to contact the Quaker Engagement team at friends@afsc.org with any questions, comments, or concerns.
And stay up to date on upcoming events and ways to take action by joining us on Facebook, Bluesky, and Instagram.