Supporting Our Immigrant Neighbors: What You Can Do

Many community members have reached out with concern about what they are seeing in the news related to immigration enforcement, and how it is impacting our local Latino and immigrant neighbors.

We deeply appreciate the care and solidarity being shown, so we want to share how La Paz is responding and how Chattanoogans can help.

FAQ available below.

What La Paz Chattanooga Does

At La Paz Chattanooga, our mission is to empower and engage Chattanooga's Latino and immigrant community through advocacy, education, and inclusion. We inform, prepare, and support families and individuals so they can navigate complex systems on their own terms, safely and with dignity. 

Family Preparedness ClinicsWe host free clinics with volunteer attorneys to help families prepare, including:

• Custodial Power of Attorney documents

• Emergency family plans

• U.S. passport support for eligible children and adults

  
  

Know Your Rights & Legal Education

We provide trusted, accurate information so individuals and families understand their rights and what to do if approached by immigration authorities. Our education efforts range from individualized, to group community settings, to shareable content online.

Case Management & Stabilization Support

When a family member is detained or deported, especially a primary income earner, the impact on the household can be immediate. La Paz supports families through:

• Case management and resource navigation

• Emergency stabilization support

• Referrals to legal and community partners

  
  

Ongoing Communication & Advocacy

We continue to monitor local, state, and federal developments and share verified information with the community as it becomes available. We also maintain regular communication with community, statewide, and national partners to stay informed and share concerns we are hearing from families. This includes regular contact and communication with local and statewide representatives. 

How You Can Help

Stand Up for Immigrant Families

Contact elected officials to advocate for policies that prioritize family stability, due process, and community safety. Participate in phone banking or show up to your council and commission meetings. Our representatives must hear from us as much as possible.

Give to Emergency Relief

Donations to La Paz’s Latinx Relief Fund help families meet urgent needs such as rent, utilities, food, and transportation when a detention or deportation disrupts household stability. 

100% of donations to LRF go directly into the hands of community members.

Learn and Share Responsibly

Help reduce fear by sharing accurate, trusted information. Avoid spreading rumors or unverified reports, which can increase confusion and anxiety. 

Encourage Preparedness, Not Panic

Preparedness helps families stay calm and informed. Encourage attendance at Know Your Rights sessions and preparedness clinics rather than reacting out of fear.

Stay Connected

Resources and opportunities evolve. When we become aware of trusted trainings or resources offered by partner organizations, we will share them with those who are interested. To be notified of any upcoming education or resource opportunities, sign up for La Paz’s email newsletter list. To receive updates when we need additional support, sign up for our volunteer email list.

Our Commitment

La Paz Chattanooga remains committed to leading with care, clarity, and community. We will continue supporting families, educating our community, and advocating for systems rooted in dignity and humanity.

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FAQ

What safety & security measures is La Paz taking to protect community members during standard business operations and scheduled programming?

La Paz has a robust safety protocol and protected areas of our building. All staff, interns, onsite partners, class facilitators and volunteers are briefed of this policy when supporting La Paz activities. We continue to inform families of their rights, encourage them to participate in educational opportunities, and provide resources that help them protect themselves and their communities.

What should families do if approached by immigration authorities?

Immigrant families can find information and resources on interacting with immigration authorities on our website. Families can attend a Know Your Rights session if possible, or connect with La Paz to receive accurate, up-to-date information and referrals to legal resources. 

ACLU is a trusted resource for current information and resources related to engaging with immigration authorities, for both immigrant and non-immigrant individuals.

Is there anything non-Latino community members can do?

Yes! Donate to emergency relief and mutual aid funds, share accurate information, and help create calm, informed spaces rather than spreading fear. Don’t forget to advocate for our immigrant neighbors, especially to our elected officials.

La Paz’s Latinx Relief Fund supports Latino neighbors during financial hardship.

Does La Paz work with local law enforcement?

La Paz does not participate in law enforcement activities or share client information with any office or department. When needed, we communicate with community partners, including local law enforcement, to raise general safety concerns and support community well-being. On occasion, and only at the request of the individual, police may come to our office to complete a report in a safe, neutral space. Our role is always to support safety, choice, and dignity.

Where can I find resources to share with my Latino neighbors?

La Paz has a page dedicated to resources for our immigrant families available for download.

How can I stay updated?

Follow La Paz Chattanooga, attend community events, and sign up for updates as we share new information and opportunities. To be notified of any upcoming education or resource opportunities, sign up for La Paz’s email newsletter list. To receive updates when we need additional support, sign up for our volunteer email list.