10 Feb Organizers in Richmond Plan Legal Resource Fair for Immigrant Communities

Ivonne Hernandez, whose uncle was detained at the family’s then-home in Richmond by immigration officials, is leading the planning of an immigrant rights resource fair. Here, she is seen at an immigrant rights march she also helped lead. (Denis Perez-Bravo / The CC Pulse file)

By Denis Perez-Bravo

A coalition of students and educators is organizing an immigrant rights resource fair as a form of protest against the Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrests of undocumented immigrants.

Ivonne Hernandez, a UC Berkeley student, is leading the planning of the event, which will take place March 15 from 1 to 4 p.m. at Civic Center Plaza in Richmond.

Working in collaboration with Richmond Mayor Eduardo Martinez’s office, Hernandez and fellow student organizers envision an afternoon where legal resources will meet Richmond residents in need.

For Hernandez, the fight for immigrant rights is deeply personal. Her own family’s experience with immigration enforcement has inspired her dedication to organizing this event.

“A few years back, ICE agents broke down my uncle’s door without a warrant,” Hernandez recalled. “They were looking for someone else, but they detained him anyway.”

The incident occurred at her family’s former residence in Richmond.

When families have little knowledge of how to respond, these types of encounters with ICE will continue, Hernandez says.

“As people become more educated about their rights, ICE will face more resistance when attempting detentions,” she explained.

For Hernandez, the event is not just a demonstration — it’s about empowering individuals with knowledge.

The planned fair will feature immigration attorneys offering free consultations, the distribution of “Know Your Rights” cards, and local vendors celebrating the diverse cultural heritage of Richmond.

Organizers have set up a GoFundMe campaign to cover event expenses and are preparing for various contingencies, including weather-related issues.

In addition to legal resources, the event will also include entertainment, such as a Spanish rock group, balancing advocacy with community celebration.

Hernandez represents a new generation of community organizers with a clear message: Meaningful change doesn’t require vast resources — only committed action.

“Even with limited resources, we can make an impact,” Hernandez said. “Any action is an action at the end of the day.”

This push for education has gained support within local classrooms. Several teachers have undergone “Know Your Rights” training and are incorporating these vital civic lessons into workshops for students and their families, ensuring all students, regardless of immigration status, are reached.

“We’re teaching everyone about the Fourth, Fifth and Sixth Amendments,” said Jackie Avedano, a teacher at Kennedy High School. “While we can’t control who comes into our community, we can control the knowledge our residents hold.”

She praised the youth for organizing with such sophistication.

When planning the immigrant rights march that happened Feb. 2 in Richmond, student organizers like Hernandez went door-to-door along 23rd Street to personally inform local businesses about their plans.

This grassroots approach proved effective, with nearly every business approached offering support, despite concerns about potential ICE presence.

“The initiative, despite the constant rain, created a beautiful display of unity that people needed to see,” Avedano said.

As an educator, Avedano understands the pressure teachers face to remain politically neutral in the classroom. However, she believes a different approach is necessary.

“It’s very important right now to show your political stance to your students,” she said. “Let them know that you stand with them and that you’re for them, that you stand for protecting their families.”

Students like Merary Alvarado, a sophomore at SF State who also helped organize the march, have embraced this opportunity to amplify their families’ voices.

“My whole family is undocumented, and being the only one with the privilege of being born here is definitely powerful,” Alvarado said. “Once (Ivonne) reached out to me and asked me if I was willing to help her organize the first protest, it made me realize that it was my time to help.”

This time, Alvarado and Hernandez focused on providing legal resources, specifically bringing in immigration lawyers to help those in need.

“We definitely want people to get the word out because, like I said, we really want to help those who need legal advice,” Alvarado said.