From CNI steering committee member Eli McCarthy:

(Updated) On Dec. 15, 2018, a trained group providing protective accompaniment joined a large posadas gathering at the San Diego/Tijuana border.

Las Posadas is a Christmas tradition, primarily within the Hispanic community, celebrated December 16-24. It is a processional ceremony which re-enacts the Holy Family’s search for welcome at the time of Jesus’ birth.

Some basic goals of protective accompaniment are:
1) Accompany those most in need
2) Prevent and defuse hostility/violence
3) Interrupt de-humanization
4) Re-humanize and cultivate empathy

Ongoing protective accompaniment efforts: Sanctuary Caravan will be based in Tijuana for the long-term.

• Access their training webinars here.
• Please let them know how you’d like to get involved.

Accompaniment requested for migrants being released from detention in U.S.: The Southeast Immigrant Rights Network (SEIRN) is asking for assistance in several cities in the U.S. South for migrants who are being released from ICE detention; the migrants are often without money, food, winter clothing, and their health has been affected. Sign up here to help in certain cities.

For more information contact Nayely with SEIRN, nayely@seirn.org

Border accompaniment in Agua Prieta: Presbyterian Peace Fellowship offers an opportunity to accompany the community in Agua Prieta, Sonora (Mexico)-Douglas, AZ (USA). Learn more here.

Photo from Interfaith Immigration Coalition, 2013 Immigration Posada Toolkit