Welcome to the City Heights Defense Committee website! We’re excited to launch this platform as a resource hub for our community.
Who We Are
The City Heights Defense Committee was formed by residents and activist supporters in response to the urgent need to protect our community from unjust immigration enforcement and deportation. We are a grassroots organization dedicated to empowering City Heights residents through education, mobilization, and direct action.
Our Mission
We exist to expose, diminish and eliminate I.C.E. in our community through education and empowerment of community members.
We seek to end the unjust deportation and family separation to create safety, dignity, affordability and respect for everyone’s human rights.
Our Vision
We envision a City Heights where:
- All residents and cultures are celebrated
- Community members are empowered to make necessary changes through collective action
- Democratic participation is accessible to everyone
- Working families can thrive without fear
- Everyone’s human rights are respected
What We Do
Community Education
We provide workshops, resources, and training to help community members understand their rights, especially regarding immigration enforcement. Knowledge is power, and we believe an informed community is a protected community.
Mobilization & Direct Action
When our community members face threats, we mobilize quickly. Our rapid response network connects neighbors to legal resources, organizes community support, and takes direct action to defend against deportations and family separations.
Resource Connections
We maintain a comprehensive directory of local organizations providing legal aid, health services, social support, and more. We connect community members with the services they need to thrive.
Digital Security
In an age of increased surveillance, we provide guidance on digital security tools and practices to protect activists and community members’ privacy and communications.
How to Get Involved
Attend Community Meetings
We hold regular community meetings to discuss current issues, plan actions, and build solidarity. Check our social media or contact us for meeting schedules.
Volunteer
We need community members willing to:
- Help with outreach and education
- Provide translation services
- Document events and actions
- Support legal clinics
- Distribute resources
Know Your Rights
Educate yourself and your family about your constitutional rights. We provide “Know Your Rights” workshops and materials in multiple languages.
Stay Connected
- Follow our social media for updates
- Sign up for alerts
- Share resources with your neighbors
- Report incidents to our rapid response network
Important Resources
In This Website
We’ve compiled essential resources for our community:
- Community Organizations Directory - Legal aid, health services, social support, and advocacy organizations
- Digital Security Tools - Secure communication and privacy tools for activists
Emergency Contacts
If you or someone you know faces an immigration enforcement situation:
- Stay calm - you have rights
- Do not open the door without a judicial warrant
- Remain silent
- Contact legal help immediately
- Document everything
Building Community Power
Our strength comes from our unity. When community members support each other, share knowledge, and take collective action, we create real change. Every resident who becomes informed, every family that knows their rights, and every neighbor who stands in solidarity makes our community stronger.
A City Heights for All
We believe in a City Heights where:
- Families aren’t torn apart by deportation
- Residents don’t live in fear
- All cultures are celebrated
- Everyone has access to affordable housing
- Community voices drive decisions
- Human rights are respected
This vision isn’t just a dream - it’s something we build together, day by day, through education, organizing, and solidarity.
Get in Touch
We want to hear from you! Whether you need resources, want to get involved, or have questions:
Email: info@cityheightsdc.org
Website: cityheightsdc.org
A Note on Safety
Your safety and privacy matter to us. When reaching out:
- Use secure communication tools when possible (see our tech resources guide)
- Never share sensitive information over unsecured channels
- If you’re concerned about digital security, contact us through Signal or visit us in person at a community meeting
Looking Forward
This website is just the beginning. We’ll be regularly updating our resources, sharing community stories, and providing information about upcoming actions and events. Bookmark this site, share it with your neighbors, and check back often.
Together, we’re building a stronger, more resilient City Heights - a community where everyone belongs and everyone’s rights are protected.
¡Adelante! Forward together!
The City Heights Defense Committee is a grassroots organization run by and for community members. We are funded through community support and operate independently to serve our neighbors’ needs.