Grassroots Efforts
Some of the most vocal opponents of anti-immigration laws have been grassroots organizations. The group profiled in this video is a collection of members of different organizations and concerned citizens from around Central Texas protesting the T. Don Hutto Family Residential Center, which is located in Taylor in Williamson County.
The center, which is under the administration of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, detains immigrant families that are either awaiting immigration/asylum hearings or deportation. While Hutto is an ICE facility, it is directed by the private for-profit corporation called the Corrections Corporation of America, which is the largest private corrections company in the United States. ICE explains the Hutto facility is an alternative to the "catch and release" program, because undocumented people rarely show up for court hearings.
However, opponents of the facility say it is similar to a medium-security prison for people who have not commmited a crime other than being caught in the United States illegally. The group profiled in this video is calling for the closing of the Hutto center and they criticize the county government in particular for continuing to receive funds from CCA. The contract between Williamson County and CCA is set to expire in January 2009.
The New Migration features speeches from Jose Orta League of the Taylor chapter of the United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) and former Georgetown mayor Mary Ellen Kersch. This protest was filmed December 7, 2008 in Georgetown, Texas, which is the county seat of Williamson County.
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