MN ACTION: HELP ARIEL (FROM THE "ARE YOU HERE ILLEGALLY?" VIDEO)



Thanks to SURJ MN for the info below. This post is largely adapted from theirs; it's offered here to spread the word.

Ariel Vences-Lopez faces an $8000 bond after his arrest in June when asked by Metro Transit cops "Are you here illegally?", as caught on video. But that was just the beginning of the injustice: After being the victim of an armed robbery, Ariel was tased and arrested, taken to the Hennepin County Jail, turned over to ICE and scheduled for deportation. Lawyers and advocates are working hard to get Ariel a stay of removal and U visa — and his next court date is July 10. Learn more and contribute to his bond fund!

Things you can do to support Ariel:

1.  Attend his hearing Monday July 10th, 12:30 pm to 2:30 pm

His fight for justice is not over yet. His next Immigration court date is scheduled for July 10, 2017 at 1 p.m in Court Room 5 at the Whipple Federal Building located at 1 Federal Drive, Suite 1850, Fort Snelling, MN 55111. Please understand the judge has the authority to change the date and time of his hearing as late as 10 a.m. on July 10 - please check here as we will post any updates or changes. Immigration cases are seen in groups or blocks-- Ariel is in the afternoon block, which starts at 1pm but he may not be called until 1:30 or 2pm. You must have a federally approved picture ID to enter the building - driver's license, state identification, or passport.

Supporters will meet outside the Whipple Federal Building at 12:30pm and head into Court Room 5 by 12:50pm. Due to the attendance of other people coming to Immigration court to support their own loved ones, people may have to rotate out as others leave at the conclusion of another's hearing. Supporters will all stand when the judge calls the name of Ariel Vences-Lopez, showing that he has community support and public attention. The court room has a limited capacity of 30 people, so if more than 30 show up, supporters will rally outside and take pictures to be sent to the judge. To stand outside, please bring signs specific to Ariel's case.

If you are not able to attend this court hearing, the following is a list of other ways you can aid Ariel.

2. Donate to Ariel's bond fund: http://www.youcaring.com/metrotransitdeportation

3. Write a letter to the Honorable Ryan Wood. This is the judge who is overseeing Ariel's case. If you write a letter, please submit it to his lawyer Danielle Robinson Briand by Saturday July 8.

Please address your letter as follows:

Honorable Ryan Wood
Executive Office for Immigration Review
1 Federal Drive, Suite 1850
Fort Snelling, MN 55111

Make sure to email a .pdf document of the SIGNED letter to: danielle@immigrantjusticemn.com

Please include the following in your letter:
- State your profession and describe your personal experiences with the immigration system (if none, please leave this out)
- State your support for awarding a lower bond and granting Ariel legal status to stay in the US

4. Share this post and spread the word!

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