Dear Escondido Residents, What this rally is about For those that were not aware, the Escondido Police Department renewed a contract in January of this year to allow ICE agents access to the city’s firing range. See this LA Taco article for a full background of the contract and decision. After significant pushback from the community, the Mayor has agreed to place the ICE contract as an agenda item at the City Council meeting on Wednesday, February 25th. We need your help to send a message to the Mayor and City Council that they need to cancel this contract immediately How You Can Help 1 - Attend Wed 2/25 City Council Session, Make a Public Comment We need Escondido residents to attend the City Council session on Wednesday, February 25th at 5:00 PM when the contract is on the agenda, and make a public comment pressuring the City to cancel the contract. This is one of the most important things you can do to help cancel the contract. Directions - You can park at the California Center for the Arts Parking Lot (340 N Escondido Blvd, Escondido, CA 92025), and then walk to City Hall (201 N Broadway, Escondido, CA 92025). Walk into the Council Chambers, head to the righthand side, talk to the city clerk, mention you want to make a comment on the ICE contract, and fill out a comment card. Volunteers recommend you park by 4:30 to ensure enough time to walk to City Council, fill out a card, and find a seat before the session starts. If you cannot make the council meeting in person, please fill out a public comment online, date 2/25, item #1, position "in Opposition" 2 - Contact the Mayor, City Council Contact the Mayor, and City Council members, and demand that they cancel the contract with ICE. Click here for comment form 3 - Sign and Share Petition Sign and share the petition that will be delivered to the City Council on 2/25. Click here for the petition 4 - Attend 2/25 Rally, Support Mutual Aid Efforts for Affected Families There will be a rally starting at 3:30 PM, and press conference starting at 4:00 PM at the Escondido City Hall prior the City Council session. Volunteers will be collecting the following pantry goods to support local vulnerable residents: - Vegetable / Canola Oil - Instant Coffee - Chicken Bouillon (powder/cubes) - Peanut Butter - Canned Chicken/Tuna. Schedule of events 3:30 PM - Rally start, bring your 'ICE OUT' signs 4:00 PM - Press Conference, with speakers from local community members 4:30 PM - Begin heading into City Council, fill out a comment card 5:00 PM - City Council Session begins After the continued assault and killing of Americans in this country at the hands of federal immigration agents, it is unconcionable that the city would continue working with this rogue agency, and it's up to us to be loud and clear and demand that they cancel this contract immediately.