Bear Witness- Protest and Food Drive Wednesdays at ICE
April 22 @ 11:00 am – 1:00 pm EDT
Updated with New Carpool and Parking Information!
BEARING WITNESS STANDOUT SCHEDULE AND GUIDELINES
Above all, we are committed to nonviolence.
- The standout takes place every Wednesday, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- From 11 am to noon, Bearing Witness organizers and special guest speakers address those gathered and discuss a variety of immigration-related topics.
- From noon-12:30 pm, the loudspeakers are turned toward the ICE building and those gathered are invited to come up to the microphone and read parts of the U.S. Constitution.
- From 12:30-1 p.m., the crowd turns and marches down District Avenue to Mall Road, where we stand with our signs, sing and chant, and wave to passing motorists.
- We ALWAYS stand peacefully with signs outside the ICE facility.
- We ALWAYS hold signs with supportive messages about immigrants and/or against ICE. We do not focus on other issues.
- We do not block the entrance, approach ICE agents, or block traffic on District Avenue.
- We DO NOT stand in restricted areas as designated by Burlington police.
- We IGNORE and do not engage with “counter protestors,” those who are supporters of ICE.
INTERACTIONS WITH DETAINEES AND ICE OFFICIALS
Immigrants who are fortunate to leave the facility have shown gratitude for our presence and some share their stories with us.
- ICE agents tend to cover their faces with masks, many record us with their phones, others give a smug smile or laugh, though they rarely say anything.
- The security officers stationed at the front of the building have not bothered us to date.
BEARING WITNESS CARPOOL SERVICE
- We have a NEW volunteer-led carpool, which operates from a few nearby parking lots. Availability is limited so sign up in advance is highly recommended, but not required. You can request a ride – or volunteer to be a driver – using this link (you will receive an email with full details about parking, etc.): https://tally.so/r/GxrQkO
OTHER PARKING OPTIONS
- Other than the carpool option, parking remains an issue for attendees. Please note that you will likely be towed if you park in any private lots along District Avenue or at the Burlington Mall. National Development, owners of The District properties along District Avenue, have contracted with Hunter Security Services and Murray’s Towing and will tow cars suspected of parked to attend the standout.
- Parking is no longer allowed at the AMC Burlington lot.
- The MBTA 350 bus runs from the Alewife T stop to Burlington Mall Road. Exit the bus at the “Burlington Mall Road” stop, opposite NE Executive Park, which is at the intersection of Mall Road and District Avenue.
- If you prefer a shorter bus ride, you can drive to Burlington and park at the United Church of Christ (6 Lexington St., Burlington) or Temple Shalom Emeth (16 Lexington St., Burlington) and walk to the 350 bus stop at the intersection of Cambridge Street and Bedford Street.
SIGNS FOR THE STANDOUT
Due to the ongoing parking issues, we recommend that standout attendees do not bring their own signs (it clearly shows the towing company that you’re heading to the standout).
Instead, please consider borrowing a sign from the large selection offered by Bearing Witness at each Wednesday standout. Upon arrival ask any safety marshall (wearing an orange vest) for the location of the box of signs. At the conclusion of the standout, please return the signs to the box.
If you choose to bring a sign — and if you use our new carpool service feel free to bring a sign — please remember that this is a very targeted action outside the ICE facility and is not the venue for protesting other causes. Even though we care deeply about other issues, while outside the ICE facility we must remain focused on immigration. Our goal is to come together across any political differences to show our collective support for immigrants and their rights.
Need help or ideas for making a sign? Follow these tips!
Bearing Witness attendees Tina & Jay continue to collect food pantry donations to help local immigrant families. You can drop off unopened food/health/household items by the tree.
