Human rights leaders Enrique “Kike” Balcazar and Zully Palacios were on their way home after an organizing meeting when they were stopped and apprehended by ICE agents. They are in detention, awaiting a court date. Please sign this petition to demand their release.

Kike and Zully are long-time leaders with Migrant Justice, a Vermont-based organization led by farmworkers claiming and defending their economic and social rights.

Kike is a key leader in the Milk with Dignity campaign that in 2015 successfully secured Ben and Jerry’s commitment to be part of the soon-to-be launched Milk with Dignity Program. I personally have worked closely with Kike as we negotiate the terms of the Milk with Dignity Program to ensure the rights and dignity of all dairy farmworkers in Vermont. Zully is an active member of Migrant Justice, designing and leading presentations, and participating in the activities of an immigrant women’s group.

As this administration’s draconian immigration enforcement system ramps up and retaliates against effective and impactful organizers, we must continue to support our partners toward a new day when human rights and dignity are lived realities for all.

In solidarity,

Cathy and the NESRI Team