Most Americans believe U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) tactics are “too tough” and are making communities “less safe.” But how can they voice their concerns with ICE?

One action they can take is to go after companies that are abetting the government’s aggressive immigration crackdown. One of these companies is right in our backyard – Citizens Bank, which has branches in Jamaica Plain, Roslindale and West Roxbury.

On Saturday, March 7, nearly 60 peaceful protests will be held across the Eastern US to protest Citizens Bank’s financial support to prison companies operating dozens ICE immigration detention centers across the country. The protests are being organized by the De-ICE Citizens Bank Coalition, which includes dozens of local groups affiliated with the Indivisible movement.

Citizens Bank has played a key role in helping CoreCivic and The GEO Group access capital to expand their businesses. This, despite persistent human rights and safety violations reported at many of their detention facilities.

While most major banks have ended their relationships with the prison industry, Citizens has strengthened its ties.

If you’re skeptical that small grassroots activism against a major bank can achieve change, think again.

When Avelo Airlines started handling deportation flights for ICE, they met intense opposition. After months of protests at airports nationwide, Avelo backed down. In December, it announced it was getting out of the deportation business.

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Now we want to hold Citizens Bank accountable for its deplorable business practices, just as we did with Avelo.

Please join us on March 7 if you’re unhappy with ICE and companies that are enabling it.

Sincerely,

Elizabeth Merica

Jamaica Plain, MA