Most Recent News Coverage
20 to watch in 2020 in mid-Hudson
JANUARY 4, 2020 | TIMES-HERALD RECORD
“It only took a few years for Rene Mejia Jr. to become fed up with the broken state of social services for undocumented immigrant families while employed as a caseworker and interpreter in Poughkeepsie… His frustration pushed him into the world of volunteering and immigrant justice advocacy with the local, grassroots group Nobody Leaves Mid-Hudson.”
NY Green Light Law draws crowds to DMV offices; state rebukes Dutchess clerk for barring out-of-county residents
DECEMBER 16, 2019 | Daily freeman
“Diana Lopez, of the immigrant rights group Nobody Leaves Mid-Hudson, said she heard from a man who passed his permit test and ‘was very happy.'”
Long lines at DMVs as people sign up on first day of Green Light law
DECEMBER 16, 2019 | MID-HUDSON NEWS
“Undocumented residents in the region may sign up for drivers’ licenses effective today as the state’s new Green Light takes effect.”
Green Light law kicks in today
DECEMBER 16, 2019 | MID-HUDSON NEWS
“Undocumented residents in the region may sign up for drivers’ licenses effective today as the state’s new Green Light takes effect.”
The US city preparing itself for the collapse of capitalism
OCTOBER 31, 2019 | Alexandra Marvar, THE GUARDIAN
“Organizations like RiseUp Kingston, Kingston Citizens, Nobody Leaves Mid-Hudson, and the Kingston Tenants Union facilitate civic engagement, combat displacement, and advocate for policies to address an increasingly dire housing shortage.”
Woodstock considers municipal ID card
August 27, 2019 | Nick Henderson, Hudson Valley One
“‘Woodstock may be the first small town in the state to issue municipal identification cards, making it easier for undocumented immigrants and others without paperwork to conduct town and other routine business.‘”
Tense times in local Latino community
August 10, 2019 | LANA BELLAMY, Times Herald-Record
“In reflecting on the El Paso shooting, Rene Mejia Jr., an organizer for Nobody Leaves Mid-Hudson, said there is a tension in the local Latino community in the wake of the massacre.”
Ulster against ICE: Local groups, governments defy feds to protect immigrants
August 5, 2019 | Jessie J. Smith, Hudson Valley One
“‘ICE has always been in and out of Kingston but in the past it was mostly outside of probation offices, courts, government offices,’ said Diana Lopez, a community organizer for immigration advocacy group Nobody Leaves Mid-Hudson. ‘But now it’s to the point where they’re knocking on doors. It’s terrifying.’”
Residents Fearful of Advocates Offering Help After ICE Visits in Kingston
July 17, 2019 | BEN NANDY, Spectrum News
“As bulletins went out over social media from activist groups and the City of Kingston, Midtown — a neighborhood heavily populated with recently arrived hispanic immigrants — began to look like a ghost town. NLMH organizers posted its warning to followers early Wednesday morning on social media, after an organizer shared video and photos of what he claimed were ICE agents walking around a house and looking in windows.”
Newburgh immigrants in hiding after they say ICE was in area, knocking on doors
July 16, 2019 | news 12 Westchester
“Ignacio Acevedo, with local nonprofit “Nobody Leaves Mid-Hudson,” tells News 12 that people sent him a photo of ICE agents outside their door on Carpenter Avenue arriving in a blue Hyundai. People also sent him photos of sightings in Middletown and Monroe Monday. He says his phone has been ringing off the hook with people worried they’ll be next and asking him when they’ll be safe.“
Nobody Leaves Mid-Hudson celebrates driver’s license law
July 15, 2019 | MID hudson news
“The nonprofit’s lead organizer Ignacio Acevedo was thrilled for the new law, known as the Green Light bill. ‘The meaning for the community in particular is being able to survive without being scared of being separated from your family. I’m a citizen, so not being worried for my family gives me peace of mind.’“
Local immigration advocates chime in on ICE crackdown
July 15, 2019 | Mid hudson news
“Jessica Moss, an intern at Nobody Leaves Mid-Hudson and junior at Vassar College, also weighed in on the raids. ‘It’s probably very frightening for people in the community,’ Moss said. ‘Most are residents who have lived in the community for years and years, so we at Nobody Leaves Mid-Hudson work to ensure that everyone has their rights.’“
Green Light victory celebration in Newburgh
July 14, 2019 | Rachel Ettlinger, TIMES HERald record
“Amid reports of an elevated Immigration and Customs Enforcement presence in New York City, advocates for the state’s recently passed Green Light Bill hosted a party in Newburgh to celebrate their ‘victory.’ Nobody Leaves Mid-Hudson hosted a ‘Fiesta de la Victoria’ Sunday afternoon into the evening at the Newburgh Armory Unity Center to celebrate the June passage of the Green Light Bill, which authorizes driver’s licenses for immigrants in the country illegally.“
Kingston’s Lights for Liberty vigil illuminates city hall
July 13, 2019 | MID HUDSON NEWS
“The Lights of Liberty vigil, held Friday evening in front of Kingston City Hall, drew a large crowd of area residents and human rights organizations protesting the conditions held at the Mexican detention camps in America. The most prominent organizations attending the event were Nobody Leaves Mid-Hudson and Citizen Action of New York, with Dianna Lopez representing the former and Fanon Fraizer representing the latter.“
Newburgh Sunday Nobody Leaves Mid-Hudson event
July 12, 2019 | Rachel ettlinger, Times herald record
“Nobody Leaves Mid-Hudson will host a ‘Victory Party’ in Newburgh on Sunday to celebrate the passing of the state’s Green Light Bill. The group that works out of Dutchess, Orange and Ulster counties hopes to have its more than 1,200 members in Newburgh and Middletown come out with their families ‘who want to celebrate the victory and want more information on next steps,’ said Vanessa Cid.“
Capital Region immigrant advocates get ready for ICE nationwide arrests Sunday
July 11, 2019 | Mallory Moench, Times Union
“Gov. Andrew Cuomo in a statement Thursday pledged that New York would fight back and told the state to be on high alert to assist families in need of legal services… ‘It’s really disturbing but not unexpected. We knew that this was going to be coming back,’ said Jonathan Bix, director of Nobody Leaves Mid-Hudson, that serves thousands in Dutchess, Orange, and Ulster counties.“
Community rallies at jail to stop the persecution of migrants
July 11, 2019 | Pamela Chergotis, Warwick advertiser
“They were there to support undocumented migrants seeking refuge and express their horror at the tactics employed by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on the U.S.-Mexico border. The protest was organized by the local Jewish community in cooperation with the advocacy group Nobody Leaves Mid-Hudson.“
Protesters denounce Orange County jail agreement with ICE
July 9, 2019 | Times Herald record
“Vanessa Cid of Nobody Leaves Mid-Hudson speaks to protesters assembled outside Orange County Correctional Facility on July 8, 2019 in Goshen.”
Newburgh issues 93 cards on first day of city ID program
July 9, 2019 | Lana bellamy, Times herald record
“We are learning as we go, but providing nearly 100 people with IDs today is a win all around,” Donat said Tuesday afternoon. Nobody Leaves Mid-Hudson has made a major push in municipalities throughout the region to institute municipal ID programs and had a handful of volunteers at City Hall to help with Newburgh’s launch.“
Newburgh launches municipal ID program
July 8, 2019 | Times Herald record
“The City of Newburgh has completed the quickest rollout of a municipal ID program in the mid-Hudson, according to City Manager Joe Donat. It took Newburgh just more than 90 days to launch after adopting the program on April 8… Volunteers with the local activist group Nobody Leaves Mid-Hudson will be on-hand Tuesday to help residents with translation and filling out applications.”
When Paying a Traffic Ticket Can End in Deportation
June 30, 2019 | Christina Goldbaum, new york times
“‘This isn’t just about going to court. No one is going to go get a municipal I.D. or go to a community meeting with the mayor if they think ICE might be around that building,’ said Ignacio Acevedo, a community organizer in Middletown with Nobody Leaves Mid-Hudson, an advocacy organization.”
Ulster County Exec Signs Order Banning Employees From Cooperating With ICE
June 27, 2019 | ALLISON DUNNE, WAMC Public radio
“Ryan’s order prohibits county employees from gathering information about immigration status or sharing such information with Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection patrol officers unless compelled to do so by law… Ryan signed the order with members of a number of community groups on hand, including Citizen Action, Nobody Leaves Mid-Hudson, Rise Up Kingston and the Ulster Immigrant Defense Network.”
Immigrant groups thrilled with new driver’s license law, county clerks are not
June 19, 2019 | Mid Hudson news
“Immigrant rights organizations are ecstatic about the new law allowing undocumented people to obtain New York State driver’s licenses, but county clerks say it will place a massive burden on their offices. Ignacio Acevedo, lead organizer for Nobody Leaves Mid-Hudson, said they want to assist the state in getting the program up and running.“
HV Reaction To Green Light Bill Varies
June 18, 2019 | Allison dunne, WAMC Public Radio
“The Green Light bill that Governor Andrew Cuomo signed late Monday is getting mixed reaction in New York. The bill allows the state to issue driver’s licenses regardless of immigration status… Seven Senate Democrats voted against the bill; six from Long Island and one from the Hudson Valley.“
Beacon Launches Photo IDs
June 7, 2019 | Jeff simms, The highlands current
“Applications for the Beacon IDs can be downloaded from the city’s website. City residents can submit applications and have their photos taken at the City Clerk’s office from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. The cards cost $10 for adults and $5 for children and seniors.“
Poughkeepsie to launch municipal IDs on Friday; Beacon began its program on Tuesday
June 6, 2019 | Mid Hudson News
“Last year, Poughkeepsie became one of the first municipalities outside of New York City to adopt plans for a municipal ID. Since then, the cities of Kingston and Middletown have adopted a similar program and have begun issuing the IDs. On Friday, June 7, the City of Poughkeepsie will allow residents to receive theirs.“
Kingston to start issuing municipal ID cards on Sunday
May 29, 2019 | Daily freeman
“Municipal ID cards will be available to Kingston residents ages 14 or older who are able to meet identity and residency requirements, according to the mayor’s office. ‘I am excited to launch the Kingston ID program, which closely aligns with our efforts to build a safe, welcoming and inclusive community where every person is valued and respected,’ Noble said in a prepared statement.“
Middletown has issued 700 municipal ID cards so far
May 28, 2019 | Mid-Hudson News network
“This Orange County city has issued some 700 municipal identification cards during the two months the cards have been available, the city clerk says… The local efforts have been spearheaded by the immigrant rights group Nobody Leaves Mid-Hudson.“
Ulster County Legislature endorses NY Protect Our Courts Act
May 22, 2019 | Paul kirby, Daily freeman
“The Ulster County Legislature on Tuesday threw its support behind a state proposal to to prevent federal immigration agents from making arrests in and around courtrooms. The Legislature voted 13-8 in favor of a resolution that supports that state’s Protect Our Courts Act.“
Newburgh establishes ID fees
May 15, 2019 | Lana bellamy, Times Herald Record
“The Newburgh City Council approved prices for its municipal IDs during Tuesday’s regular meeting at City Hall… Examples of documents that can prove residency include a utility bill, jury summons, bank statement or an employment pay stub.“
Middletown requests help for accurate census count
May 8, 2019 | Rachel Ettlinger, Times Herald Record
“Currently, nine rent regulatory laws are due to expire in New York State. Amidst what Kingston officials and residents alike are calling a housing crisis, the city is looking to voice their support of such bills as the Expansion of the Emergency Tenant Protection Act and prohibition of evictions without ‘good cause.'”
Kingston lawmakers support extension of rent control law
May 8, 2019 | Mid Hudson News
“Currently, nine rent regulatory laws are due to expire in New York State. Amidst what Kingston officials and residents alike are calling a housing crisis, the city is looking to voice their support of such bills as the Expansion of the Emergency Tenant Protection Act and prohibition of evictions without ‘good cause.'”
Newburgh Lawmakers Posit Ideas to Increase 2020 Census Participation
May 2, 2019 | Ben Nandy, Spectrum News
“Augustin, an immigrant from Oaxaca, Mexico, says in the current social and political climate, there is an overarching fear in the immigrant community with sharing any personal information with any official body for fear the information may be used against them.”
Support grows for driver’s licenses for undocumented immigrants, group says
April 27, 2019 | Paul Kirby, Daily Freeman
“Jonathan Bix, executive director of Nobody Leaves Mid-Hudson, said this week that an alliance of immigrant groups known as the Green Light Coalition, has drawn increasing support to the driver’s license matter.”
Group urges Newburgh’s support of state bill to keep ICE out of courts
April 22, 2019 | Lana Bellamy, Times Herald-Record
“Acevedo shared the story in his pitch to muster the council’s support for state legislation banning ICE from detaining people inside and outside state courts, which include town, county and village courthouses. Nobody Leaves Mid-Hudson, a local social justice advocacy group of which Acevedo is the lead organizer, brought out 35 people to hold signs and show support for the Protect Our Courts Act at the council meeting.”
NY directive restricting ICE action in courts doesn’t go far enough, immigrants rights group says
April 18, 2019 | Paul Kirby, Daily Freeman
“An immigrant rights group says it will continue to press for a state law to prevent federal immigration agents from making arrests in and around courtrooms despite a similar directive from the state Office of Court Administration.”
Middletown backs proposed law making it illegal for ice to make civil arrests in court without court order
April 17, 2019 | Mid Hudson News, Mid Hudson News Network
The Middletown Common Council Tuesday night voted in support of the state’s Protect Our Courts Act that would make it unlawful for ICE to make a civil arrest while a person is going to,, attending or leaving court unless the officer presents a valid judicial warrant or court order. The Poughkeepsie Common Council, Monday night, approved the same memorializing resolution.
Middletown council endorses effort to keep ice agents away from courts in ny state
April 17, 2019 | Daily Freeman
“The Middletown council voted its support of the state’s proposed Protect Our Courts Act a day after the Poughkeepsie Common Council did the same.”
Ulster county legislature considers backing ny state effort to keep ice away from courts
April 17, 2019 | Patricia Doxsey, Daily Freeman
“Legislature Chairwoman Tracey Bartels said Tuesday that a resolution supporting state passage of the Protect Our Courts Act is being circulated among county lawmakers and could go before the full Legislature in May.”
Middletwon common council backs act keeping ice officers out of courts
April 17, 2019 | Rachel Ettlinger, Times Herald-Record
“The Middletown Common Council on Tuesday night passed a resolution to support the Protect Our Courts Act. Co-sponsored by state Assembly members Jonathan Jacobson and Kevin Cahill, the act would make it unlawful for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers to arrest a person who is going to, attending or leaving court unless the officer presents a valid judicial warrant or court order.”
Ny state courts system restricts immigrantion enforcement actions
April 17, 2019 | Associated Press and Freeman staff, Daily Freeman
“Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents looking to make arrests inside courthouses in New York can’t do so without judicial warrants or orders, according to a directive from the New York State Office of Court Administration that took effect Wednesday.”
Poughkeepsie council backs NY state effort to keep ice agents away from courts
April 16, 2019 | Mid Hudson News Network, Daily Freeman
“The Common Council here has gone on record as supporting the Protect Our Courts Act that’s under consideration in the state Legislature. The act would require Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents to obtain a warrant from a federal judge before attempting to arrest an undocumented immigrant either inside or on the way to or from a court.”
NY assemblyman cahill says restricting ice will stop courts from being ‘traps’
April 16, 2019 |Paul Kirby, Daily Freeman
“State Assemblyman Kevin Cahill says courts should not be “traps” where immigration enforcement officers “ensnare unsuspecting people.” Cahill, D-Kingston, is a co-sponsor of state legislation called the Protect Our Courts Act, which would bar U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers from arresting an undocumented immigrant either inside or on the way to or from a court unless they have a warrant from a federal judge to do so.”
Poughkeepsie council supports proposed law to keep ice out of courts
April 16, 2019 | Mid Hudson News, Mid Hudson News Network
“The presence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in and around state courts increased about 17-fold, in just one year, according to a report released earlier this year by the Immigrant Defense Project.”
Early Arrival: Hudson Yards Funded Through Questionable Visa Practices
April 15, 2019 | Max Siegelbaum, Documented
“Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity has ballooned 1700 percent in courthouses in recent years. That’s why Democrats recently introduced a state bill that would prevent ICE arrests while a person is attending or leaving court without a judicial warrant or court order. Nobody Leaves Mid-Hudson, an advocacy group in Hudson County, is drumming up support for the bill around Hudson County cities such as New Paltz, Woodstock, Poughkeepsie and Beacon. ICE activity in the courts has made immigrants afraid of seeking legal help in various courts, including housing court. The Daily Freeman”
Immigrant advocates pressure local boards to support bill limiting ice activity in courthouses
April 15, 2019 |Ben Nandy, Specturm News
“At their Poughkeepsie office, organizers with the immigrant advocacy group, Nobody Leaves Mid-Hudson, were plotting two weeks of almost daily visits to meetings of local lawmaking bodies to drum up support for the Protect Our Courts Act.”
Nobody Leaves Mid Hudson backs state bill barring ICE from arresting people attending court proceedings
April 14, 2019 |Paul Kirby, Daily Freeman
“Nobody Leaves Mid-Hudson, the immigrant rights group that has successfully help implement municipal ID programs, is calling on various Mid-Hudson Valley governments to support the bill, which is known as the Protect Our Courts Act.”
New paltz government officials consider local municipal ID card
April 13, 2019 |Terence Ward, Hudson Valley One
“Members of the public came out to support the concept of a local municipal ID card, the creation of which would likely fall to the town clerk and her staff members if it were to happen in New Paltz. Town and village board members had a number of questions about state record-keeping requirements, cost of equipment and other issues which must be clarified before any decision could be made.”
Immigrants rights group spars with kingstonian project developers over rents
April 13, 2019 |Paul Kirby, Daily Freeman
“An immigrant rights group that successfully advocated for city municipal identification cards for undocumented immigrants is strongly opposing the mixed-use Kingstonian project planned for Uptown.”
Newburgh is fifth Hudson Valley city to adopt muicipal IDs
April 9, 2019 |Mid-Hudson News Network, Mid-Hudson News
“The City of Newburgh has joined the ranks of local municipalities including Middletown, Poughkeepsie and Kingston to adopt legislation to offer municipal IDs to undocumented, as well as all other residents. The city council unanimously passed a resolution to adopt Local Law #2 of 2019, Monday evening, before a packed house of supporters at the city recreation center.”
City of Newburgh OKs municipal ID cards
April 9, 2019 |Mid-Hudson News Network, Daily Freeman
NEWBURGH, N.Y. — This Orange County city has become the fifth in the Mid-Hudson Valley to approve municipal identification cards, joining Kingston, Poughkeepsie, Beacon and Middletown.
Public hearing set for newburgh municipal id program
March 27, 2019 | Lana Bellamy, Times Herald record
“The Newburgh City Council scheduled a public hearing for a municipal identification card program for April 8. The hearing will take place during the regular council meeting at 7 p.m. on April 8 at the Activity Center, located at 401 Washington Street.”
Kingston expects to start issuing municipal id cards in june
March 19, 2019 | Paul Kirby, Daily Freeman
“The city expects to start issuing its newly approved municipal ID cards in June, a bit earlier than expected, according to Mayor Steve Noble. “We have purchased and received the equipment,” Noble said in an email. “… We are now in the process of designing the cards and training the staff on how to use the equipment.'”
Green light ny movement converges on Albany
March 13, 2019 | Mid-hudson news network
“They came from Kingston, Poughkeepsie, Middletown, Newburgh, Warwick and points in between to travel by bus to Albany on Tuesday to join the Green Light NY movement. That effort is attempting to convince the state legislature to approve a measure that would allow for driver’s licenses for undocumented residents.”
Middletown issues its first photo id cards
March 13, 2019 | Lana Bellamy, Times Herald record
“Residents lined up well before the city clerk’s office opened Wednesday morning to get some of the first-ever Middletown identification cards. City Clerk John Naumchik estimated 65 people received the new photo IDs on Wednesday.”
Middletown becomes first area city to issue municipal ids
March 13, 2019 | Mid-Hudson News Network
“Residents in Middletown lined up outside the city clerk’s office at City Hall the first thing Wednesday morning to secure the new municipal identification cards.”
Call For License Acess for Undocumented
March 6, 2019 | Hudson Valley Press
“Over 200 residents of Orange County packed the Perkins Recreation Center in Middletown on Saturday to urge passage of legislation to expand driver’s license access to undocumented New York residents.”
Middletown forum shines light on driver’s licenses for undocumented immigrants
March 2, 2019 | Lana Bellamy, Times Herald Record
“Both the state Senate and Assembly are considering bills to expand driver’s license privileges to undocumented immigrants living in New York. Both bills were referred to their chambers’ respective transportation committees in January.”
Community calls for driver’s license access for undocumented New Yorkers
March 2, 2019 | Mid Hudson News
“Over 200 residents of Orange County packed the Perkins Recreation Center in Middletown on Saturday to urge passage of legislation to expand driver’s license access to undocumented New York residents. The forum, organized by Nobody Leaves Mid-Hudson and the Worker Justice Center of New York, both members of the Green Light NY coalition, was attended by State Senator Jennifer Metzger and Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther.”
State lawmakers in Ulster county back drivers licenses for undocumented
March 2, 2019 | Paul Kirby, Daily Freeman
“State Sen. Jen Metzger, D-Rosendale, and state Assemblyman Kevin Cahill, D-Kingston, both said they favor state legislation allowing the workers to secure driver licenses.”
Green Light legislation wins support of Middletown lawmakers
February 21, 2019 | MidHudson News
“The Middletown Common Council has unanimously supported proposed Green Light legislation that would allow anyone in New York – including undocumented immigrants who pass a driving test – to obtain a driver’s license. Middletown Council President Miguel Rodrigues said the proposal, which the governor has promised to sign if the state legislature approves it, would be beneficial for all.”
Community pushes for support of legal licenses for undocumented immigrants
February 6, 2019 | Ben Nandy, Spectrum News
“NLMH is now lobbying even harder in support of the Green Light Bill (A10273 and S8680), which would increase privacy measures in the application process, allowing undocumented immigrants to get licenses.”
Beacon approves municipal IDs
December 21, 2018 | Highlands Current, Brian PJ Cronin
“The Beacon City Council voted unanimously on Monday (Dec. 17) to begin offering a municipal identification card within six months. With the vote, the city joined three other municipalities in the Hudson Valley (Poughkeepsie, Middletown and Kingston) and about two dozen across the country that offer IDs.”
Kingston mayor signs municipal ID card legislation
December 19, 2018 | Daily Freeman, William J. Kemble
“‘Our number one goal is to be able to use this for public safety,’ Mayor Noble said. ‘So every time that someone has an interaction with one of our police officers or anyone [who] is a municipal employee, they’ll be able to have some sort of municipal ID. As you get into commercial industries, [such as] the banking industry, it is really incumbent upon that … industry as to whether they would accept our municipal ID.'”
Nobody Leaves Mid-Hudson Contacts 10,000 Voters Ahead of Mid-Term Election
November 6, 2018 | Karina Curry, Boilerplate
“In preparation for the 2018 midterm elections, Nobody Leaves Mid-Hudson has successfully registered over 1,000 new voters and contacted 9,000 more voters to increase voter turnout.”