In response to the passage of Texas Senate Bill 4, which requires local law enforcement in Texas to allocate resources to duties traditionally handled by the federal government, the Gulf Coast Leadership Council (GCLC) hosted "Know Your Rights" (KYR) civic academies across the Houston metro area. These four sessions attracted over 300 community and congregational ministry leaders affiliated with The Metropolitan Organization (TMO). Enforcement of SB 4 is currently suspended as a variety of groups have challenged its legality in federal courts since it creates an elaborate system of statewide immigration enforcement by the State of Texas and local law officers that has historically been the responsibility of the federal government.
The KYR academies featured presentations of vital legal information by experienced immigration attorneys, small group discussions, and in-depth Q&A sessions. Additionally, the lawyers met with families individually or in small groups to provide information and suggest next steps about how they might address their specific legal concerns. In some cases, participants took further action by creating "Family Security Toolkits" to help families with young children prepare in case a parent or family member was caught up in immigration detention.
The sessions were held in Northeast Houston, Spring Branch, Pasadena, and Alvin in Brazoria County.
KYR Summary Report from Assumption Catholic Church, GCLC & TMO
KYR Summary Report from Fair Haven United Methodist Church, GCLC & TMO
KYR Summary Report from San Juan Diego Catholic Church in Pasadena, GCLC & TMO