A letter from the Executive Board:
On January 17th of this year, the McLean County Democrats approved a guiding set of principles and values, among these being that we believe in: “EQUAL RIGHTS, with dignity and respect for all individuals regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, color, economic status, disability, age, occupation, or NATIONAL ORIGIN. “ It is now time to put our words into action.
Our brothers and sisters in #NoICEDwight are protesting the proposed construction of an ICE Detention Center located in Dwight, IL. They believe that construction of this facility would be immoral and inhumane. They believe that we should be treating refugees as people, not criminals. We agree.
As Democrats, we believe that no human being is illegal and we remember the importance of our country’s history as a nation of immigrants. We honor our fundamental values by treating all people who come to the United States with dignity and respect, and we always seek to embrace — not to attack — immigrants. We believe that despite the possibility of local jobs and economic development, that our principles and values are not for sale at any price.
While this facility is planned outside of McLean County, we feel that it is important to show our support for our friends in Livingston County and for the folks here at home who are deeply affected by this issue. We want them to know that we proudly stand with them in their fight.
We encourage people to contact their local elected officials, especially in the Village of Dwight, and let them know their feelings on this matter. Now is the time to make your voices heard.
The Executive Board of the McLean County Democrats