April 21 Updates

This past week was a powerful reminder of what this community can do — showing up in the streets, in meeting rooms, and in the courts. From local actions to a MAJOR moment in Baltimore, the momentum is real. Here’s a look at what happened and what’s coming next.

Upcoming:

Capitol Hill Press Event (Apr. 23)

Rush Hour Resistance (April 24)

Candlelight Vigil for ICE Victims (Apr. 25)

May Day — National Day of Action (May 1)

Recap: A Week of Wins

Major Moment — Baltimore Courthouse Rally

WCI joined the Maryland Coalition to Stop the Camps on April 15, at the federal courthouse in Baltimore in support of the Attorney General’s lawsuit against the ICE warehouse.

• Hundreds rallied outside; overflow crowds filled the courthouse
• Speakers included WCI's own Laura Spivak, HRR, ACLU, and coalition leaders
• Interfaith vigil and march followed the hearing

Outcome:​
The judge extended the Temporary Restraining Order indefinitely, allowing the case to proceed — and noted the strength of community advocacy, saying: “Your work is just as important as mine.”

Indivisible Together — A Night of Music & Community

On April 16th, A joyful, high-energy night at Hub City Vinyl brought our community together in celebration and purpose. Performances by The Lana Spence Band, The Little Flames, and even our “Founding Fathers” kept the crowd engaged and inspired.

WCI shared updates from the stage, and Rush Hour Resistance led an interactive moment spelling out: “Make Good Trouble.”

BOCC Protest

On April 14th, WCI and HRR created a powerful visual protest using chalk body outlines to represent lives lost in ICE custody, drawing strong media attention and public response.

Rush Hour Resistance

On April 17th, 30 Resisters took to the bridge — including guests from Middletown Indivisible — sharing the message: “25th Amendment? Yes please!” Plenty of honks, waves, and spirited reactions.

Organizing & Community Building

WCI General Meeting (Apr. 18)

Strong turnout with many new faces. Updates included:

• Warehouse developments and next steps
• Committee work and volunteer needs
• Legislative session highlights

Pens to Power (Apr. 19)

• 400 postcards written
• Dozens of Vote Forward voter guides prepared
• Significant food donations collected for an ICE-impacted family

A Call for Our Shared Humanity

Hosted by HARC, this gathering on April 19th, brought faith leaders and community members together to reflect on the challenges facing immigrants and offer support. A candle-lighting and prayer service grounded the event in compassion and solidarity.

In the News

WCI and HRR released new information about a possible non-disclosure agreement between the BOCC and DHS related to the warehouse project. National media interest is already building.

Coming Up

📣 Capitol Hill Press Event (Apr. 23)

WCI will be represented in Washington, DC on April 23rd at a press event unveiling new legislation to shut down ICE warehouses nationwide. (More details coming soon.)

🕯️ Candlelight Vigil for ICE Victims (Apr. 25)

Part of a National Day of Action, this vigil will take place at the Public Square (weather backup TBD) on April 25th.

Bring:

• Flameless candles
• Flowers, notes, or cards

We will honor victims with speakers, music, and a public memorial.

✊ May Day — National Day of Action (May 1)

Join the Indivisible General Strike:

• No work
• No school
• No spending

Even partial participation matters.

🕓 Local rally: 4–6 PM (location TBD)​
This is about showing up in whatever way you can.

Pens to Power

The next Pens to power in-person meeting is scheduled for May 12, from 6:30-8:30PM and June 7, 1-4PM contact alicejimroberts@gmail.com for more details.

Next WCI Rush Hour Resistance

Meet us on the Appalachian Trail bridge on Friday, April 24 at 4:15 PM to help set up, or stop by before 5:30 PM to wave. Our letters aren't waterproof, so we cancel if it's raining.

Email Dave Williams at dwilliams21783@gmail.com for more information.

For photos, videos, and more about Rush Hour Resistance, visit this link:

Immigration Activism

Register Today for
In-Person ICE Watch & Community Care Training

Sunday, April 26 | 1:00–7:00 PM | Hagerstown

If you haven’t yet attended an ICE Watch or Community Care training, MoCo IRC and Western MD IRC (WMD-IRC) are hosting a two-part, in-person training in Hagerstown. Exact location will be shared 1–3 days before the event.

The training includes two workshops with a hands-on practice session, plus a dinner break (food provided). Please plan to arrive by 1:00 PM for check-in.

You may attend one or both sessions:

• Intros & ICE Watch Training: 1:30–3:30 PM
• Small Group Practice: 3:30–4:30 PM
• Dinner Break: 4:30–5:30 PM
• Community Care Training & Next Steps: 5:30–7:00 PM

Registration is required:

WCI is on Discord!

We're excited to announce that our organization is now on Discord, creating more avenues for communication and connection! For access, go to this link: