FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: media@freedomforimmigrants.org
LOS ANGELES — Freedom for Immigrants (FFI) began its chrysalis period today, pausing much of its external work in order to develop its renewed vision, theory of change and strategic plan to abolish immigrant detention nationwide. The chrysalis will last until April.
Referring to the transitional, sheltered state of being or growth, the chrysalis will be spent planning the future work and structure of the organization under new leadership.
“As we continue to reimagine our organization from the ground up, the FFI team will turn inward for a season of reflection, regeneration and preparation,” stated Laura Hernandez, executive director of FFI, in a public message to supporters. “These three months will provide us the space to vision for the next chapter of FFI with intention and care.”
Over the past several years, FFI has marked many milestones and key moments, including the departure of its co-founders, the celebration of its 10th anniversary, and the hiring of Hernandez as executive director and Mich González as associate executive director.
Eager to chart a new path forward in its mission of collective liberation, the FFI team will work to make radical shifts in its work, including those aimed at furthering its progress into becoming an anti-racist organization, and one that is truly led by the leadership and expertise of those who have been most impacted by the immigration and incarceration systems.
“While we’re excited for what’s to come, this is not a decision we made lightly. In the midst of rising detention numbers nationwide, the 2024 presidential election looming large, and the continued unmet needs of our communities, our movement faces unrelenting challenges,” continued Hernandez. “Yet abolition teaches us the importance of transformation — of systems, communities, and each one of us. In line with our commitment to these abolitionist and anti-racism values, our chrysalis period will allow us time to prepare and plant the seeds of resistance necessary to take on the challenges of 2024 and beyond.”
Read Hernendez’s full letter here.
Find more information about FFI’s chrysalis, FAQs, and resources here.
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Freedom for Immigrants (FFI) is devoted to abolishing immigration detention, while ending the isolation of people currently suffering in this profit-driven system. FFI monitors the human rights abuses faced by immigrants detained by ICE through a national hotline and network of volunteer detention visitors, while promoting community-based services that welcome immigrants into the social fabric of the United States. Learn more: https://www.freedomforimmigrants.org/