Foundations of Justice: Local Voices on Immigration
At a moment when immigration enforcement is intensifying across the country, and in St. Louis, our recent Foundations of Justice panel offered something many people are urgently seeking: clarity, connection, and practical pathways to action.
The panel featured the nation’s leading voice in immigration data, Dr. Austin Kocher, alongside local leaders working daily on the front lines, the conversation was grounded national trends in local realities. Moderated by Ashrei Executive Director Sara Ruiz, the panel included Alicia Hernandez of MICA Project, Blake Hamilton of the International Institute of St. Louis, Jerry Rodriguez, Lucy Behrendt of Abide in Love, and Vanessa Henriquez of the Missouri Workers Center.
One of the clearest takeaways from the evening was the tremendous hunger Information people can actually use and apply in their organizing. Across the room, there was a shared sense that communities are not waiting for permission to act. Instead, many are already doing thoughtful, strategic work: building networks, supporting detained individuals, educating neighbors, and responding to enforcement in real time.
What was especially striking was how grounded the work has become. More people than ever seem committed to practical action that moves beyond performative responses. At the same time, organizers are honoring the traditions of movement building—connecting struggles, building coalitions, and recognizing the deeply intersectional nature of immigration justice.
It’s evident that there’s a shift in addressing the issues in modern times: rather than policing ideological purity, many organizers are actively trying to widen the circle, reaching out to people who might not have previously seen themselves as part of this work. That openness reflects a growing understanding that real change requires broad participation.
“The energy in the room spoke volumes about the role the Ashrei Foundation is playing as a hub—bringing people together for learning, strategy, and sustained engagement around immigration justice.”
A powerful moment came from Lucy Behrendt’s reflection on the work of visitation and accompaniment for people in detention. She shared a vision that no one held in immigration detention would be left without someone to talk to—and that their team is getting very close to making that vision a reality. It was a reminder that systemic change is built through thousands of small acts of human connection.
More than anything, the evening reinforced a simple truth: movements are built by ordinary people showing up for one another, sharing what they know, and committing to the long haul.
Calls to Action from the Panel
The talk concluded with each panelists sharing a “to remember” and a “to do,” to inspire action and learning in accessible ways:
Remember…
We are powerless alone
Find joy in the work
Keep your eye on the prize
Power protects, power advances
Don’t believe in experts, believe in expertise
There are moments and there are movements—be in it for the long haul
Civil rights leaders were ordinary people
You have something to give
No one is coming to save us
"Not everyone has to join the choir, but everyone has to sing."
To do…
Find a mechanism for connection
Get out of your comfort zone
Identify your one area of expertise and how you can use it
Work on a five-year timeline to carry the work forward
Re-find your political home
Do what you can with what you know
Practice your negotiated solution skills
Get creative
Ways to Learn and Act
Subscribe to Dr Austin Kocher's Substack to stay up to date on immigration news
Sign up to volunteer with Ashrei and the St. Louis Rapid Response Hotline here
Learn about the St. Louis Rapid Response Coalition and it's members
Provide essential financial support through a sustaining or one time gift, enabling the Ashrei Foundation to continue and grow our work, connections and impact.
