Chair of the Board and First District Supervisor Phil Serna today announced his office’s $50,000 funding to the Sacramento Family Unity, Education and Legal (FUEL) Network to expand emergency immigration legal services in Sacramento County.
The $50,000 proposal, submitted by the California Immigration Project (CIP) on behalf of the FUEL Network, outlines a plan to provide stipends to the rapid response network of volunteer attorneys who provide emergency consultations, legal advocacy and other supports for those who have been taken into custody at the Sacramento ICE processing center.
“Offering platitudes about the value of our immigrant population is too easy and convenient,” said Serna. He continued saying, “Other elected leaders at every level need to step up and secure more resources to protect and defend those unfairly targeted by the Trump Administration.”
“At a time when federal immigration enforcement is expected to escalate to alarming and unprecedented levels, Supervisor Serna’s leadership in directing County funds to support the Sacramento FUEL Network could not have come at a more critical moment,” said Marcus Tang, Executive Director, California Immigration Project. “This funding will help ensure access to vital legal assistance, strengthen community preparedness through Know Your Rights education, and help prevent family separation.
“With this support, Sacramento County is sending the powerful message that it is firmly committed to protecting its immigrant and refugee communities."
The funding will also support services that were previously limited to City of Sacramento residents. Those include community outreach programs to educate residents about their rights, assistance with developing emergency preparedness plans for families facing the risk of separation and legal and mental health resources.