Category Archives: Updates from Ravi

An Update on My First Amendment Case

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I have “good news” to share with you. The Government has agreed not to deport me for the next three years, as part of a settlement agreement in my First Amendment lawsuit. That gives us three more years to pursue other forms of relief that I need to be able to remain in the US permanently.  You can read more in The Intercept here. We have a lot of work to do, but I know that in community we can get there.  

Over the years, Amy and I have experienced so many excruciating moments in our interactions with ICE that we thought we were numb. In fact, when I was released from detention in 2018 I was back to work the next day.  So when a friend recently asked Amy how we were going to commemorate that Jan 11, 2022 was four years since ICE tried to deport me in 2018, Amy, my defense committee and I were taken aback. Jan 11 2018 and the days that followed were intense and very traumatic for all of us. I thought that I was unfazed because I had lived through so many such days with ICE. I was even making bad jokes with ICE officers who were there to make sure that I was deported.

But when Amy was describing what happened on that day I watched myself break down. My eyes teared up, my pain exuded from my pores and entered my nose, suffocating me. I could not stop trembling. I am not the only one who suffers from this type of PTSD. This happens to every Friend/person, their loved ones and their communities who have to live with the threat of deportation. 

Now we are deeply relieved to have this breathing time, and to know that 2022 is the first year that I will not have to report to ICE at all. I will have to report in 2023 and 2024, and will of course seek your support when that happens.

I know that this ‘victory’ is due to all of the love and support that you, my community, have provided.  I look forward to being able to be together sometime soon.

With gratitude and love,
Ravi

Press Release: Ravi Ragbir, Immigrant-Rights Leader Fighting Deportation, to be Honored with Bishop’s Cross, Deliver Sunday Sermon at Episcopal Pro-Cathedral in Brooklyn Heights

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FOR RELEASE SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2018

Ravi Ragbir, executive director of New Sanctuary Coalition and an internationally known leader of the immigrant rights movement, will receive one of the Episcopal Church’s highest honors and deliver the homily at the main service at historic St. Ann & The Holy Trinity Church in Brooklyn Heights at 11:15am this Sunday, February 4. Continue reading →

Ravi’s Letter From an Immigration Jail

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Ravi Ragbir dictated the following to Rhiya Trivedi:

I’m doing ok. It was a wild and crazy ride. Every moment was uncertain except the certainty that they wanted me gone. I’m still here because of all of you. Thank you.

I miss everyone. I feel very heartbroken to see how many of you are suffering for me; how people were abused during the process. I feel heartbroken that care for someone evokes violence.

I want everyone to stand strong. At the moment, we need to speak about changing the system so that no one has to face this type of harm. Not just for me but for all the families who face being torn apart.

Until we get reform, we need to repeal the act that criminalizes immigrants – that makes us less than human because of a document.

I call upon immigrants: if you need help, reach out the New Sanctuary Coalition and they will fight for you as they do for me. I call upon citizens to answer the call for immigrants who are afraid and who need help standing up. Please accompany them at every step.

I know that I will see you soon.