Fast for Our Future: Immigrants Rights Encampment at La Placita

A diverse group of students, service workers, day laborers, and supporters have set up camp just south of the plaza. About 70 people have committed to the fast, there are currently about 25 tents in the encampment with room for up to 100. The fast plans to run from now until election day, a 20 day fast. Coming together with the organization, Rise immigrants and their supporters are fasting to urge people to sign a pledge to vote or take some kind of action for immigrants rights.

The fasters are demanding an immediate end to the ICE raids that are terrorizing immigrant communities and tearing families apart. Children of immigrant parents who are US born citizens are being separated from their mothers and fathers by the raids and forced deportations. Supporters are welcome to visit or join the encampment and it is expected that the camp will grow as word spreads.

Indymedia journalists together with support from Prometheus Radio have set up a media center at the encampment with a low watt radio station called Radio Ayuno broadcasting at 88.5 FM. The Media center is has wifi connections and publishing workshops planned for those in the fast to learn how they can publish their stories online.

The fast and encampment represents a new tactic for the immigrants rights movement which as seen a very brutal response from the government in the wake of the massive demonstrations and actions of 2006. Organizers hope this new campaign will help to reignite the movement. Nightly candlelight vigils will be held at 5 pm at the camp and supporters are invited to join. (Visitors are being asked to respect the fast and not to bring any food into the encampment area)