In this newsletter: Bridgeton residents defend the library and demand an end to ICE operations on city property; CATA expands its Food Justice Program; and NJ proposes $20 million for immigrant legal defense.
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Bridgeton Residents Demand Protection for the Public Library and an End to ICE Operations on City Property

Last month, CATA, the South Jersey Solidarity Collective, Los Tequios CC, and community members packed the Bridgeton, NJ, City Council meeting to support the Bridgeton Free Public Library and demand an ordinance prohibiting ICE from using city property for immigration enforcement.

In weeks leading up to the meeting, our Rapid Response Team documented ICE using the Bridgeton Zoo parking lot, ShopRite, and Bridgeton City Park as staging grounds for its operations. We brought this evidence directly to the City Council and explained that New Jersey already limits the use of state property for immigration enforcement. Other municipalities have adopted similar ordinances—and Bridgeton must do the same.

Councilwomen King and DeQuinzio, Councilman Edwards, and Council President Bethea supported a local ordinance. While we are hopeful, lasting change does not happen through promises alone. It happens when people keep showing up, applying pressure, and refusing to let the issue disappear.

Now, we must ensure that their words become action.

Join us at the next Bridgeton City Council meeting on August 18 at 5:30 p.m. at 330 Fayette Street, Bridgeton, NJ, as we demand that the city pass this ordinance and declare that our public spaces will not be used to terrorize our community.

We need everyone there to make our collective voice impossible to ignore.

Want to take action with us? Volunteer with CATA here
More markets, lower prices, and new opportunities—CATA’s Food Justice Program is growing!

Every Wednesday, our community garden becomes a space where neighbors can find fresh, culturally relevant food at affordable prices. Through Universal Good Food Bucks, all shoppers receive 50% off every product at our markets.

This season, we have also added a market at the local WIC office, welcomed our sixth cohort of youth interns, and launched a 10-week CSA pilot program. The program will help us explore new ways to provide families with seasonal produce, familiar foods, and everyday staples at accessible prices.

Together with our youth, local farmers, and community members, we are building a local food system rooted in affordability, culture, and community.

To learn more or get involved, contact Kathia Ramírez at kramirez@cata-farmworkers.org.

Read the full blog here
New Jersey Proposes $20 Million for Immigrant Legal Defense Following Delaney Hall Protests

After hundreds of people detained at Delaney Hall launched a hunger strike in May to demand humane conditions, freedom for vulnerable detainees, and the right to await their court hearings with their families, community members mobilized for more than two weeks.

Following these protests and mounting public pressure, New Jersey’s governor proposed allocating $20 million to the Detention and Deportation Defense Initiative, which helps detained immigrants access legal advice and representation.

This is an important community victory—but the proposed funding is expected to reach only about 40% of people detained in New Jersey. Many would still be forced to navigate the immigration system without an attorney.

To learn about the initiative or request assistance, visit:
https://www.nj.gov/humanservices/njnewamericans/legal/dddi/

Read the full blog post here

CATA - The Farmworker Support Committee

4 S. Delsea Drive, Glassboro, NJ 08028

Phone 856-881-2507

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