Good Evening council member,
My name is Teresa Suarez, and I am the Coordinator for the Tequio Youth program at MICOP for Santa Barbara County and a member of the 805 Immigrant Coalition.
I am here today to urge you to commit to our immigrant communities in our city by adopting and investing in the measures our migrant communities are asking for.
Councilmember Escobe, Last year I saw you speak at a conference where you shared your experiences, how you worked in the fields, attended Allan Hancock and eventually graduated. It is inspiring to see Latinos in leadership who have the direct experience of being a farmworker, as that story resonates with many of us because it reflects the struggle and resilience of our community.
However, now that you hold a position of leadership, we ask that you do not forget your roots and struggles. Our Latino and Indigenous community does not have the privilege to skip days of work, because as you know, “la fresa no espera” and “la renta no espera”.
As a member of Latino community, we ask that you stand with us and continue to support the community that has carried much of the work here in Santa Maria. As leaders, you have the opportunity to be an example for the youth who look up to you, taking action, as other cities have done to ensure protection and making sure families make it home safely, without the fear of being detained by ICE.
Thank you
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Teresa Suarez
Tequio Youth Program Co-Coordinator
Mixteco/Indígena Community Organizing Project (MICOP)