The Communities Not Cages Indiana Coalition invites you to participate in several events this week which are associated in part with the Detention Watch Network’s National Advocacy Day on Thursday March 3rd.  The goal of the Communities Not Cages Indiana Coalition is to help reverse the proposed expansion of the Clay County Jail in the heart of Brazil, Indiana.  This jail houses both local people charged with breaking the law and immigrants detained by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials through a contract with ICE.  County authorities justify the proposed enlargement of Clay County Jail in part on the expected continued massive detention of immigrants, even though those numbers have dropped considerably under the Biden administration.  We fervently hope that federal and local policies will shift to humanitarian alternatives to detention for both immigrant detainees and local incarcerated folks in the near future.

• Visions for Clay County: A Community Conversation Sunday, March 6, 4:00-5:15 pm EST*In person event* Location: Brazil First United Methodist Church, 201 N Meridian St.Facebook Invite (for sharing via social media): https://fb.me/e/1Lkhj6rL3; Please see attached flyer!Description:Especially for residents of Brazil IN and all of Clay County: What do you enjoy about living in Clay County? What opportunities and needs do you see in the community? If you had $20 million dollars to spend on your community, how would you spend it? Join this community conversation facilitated by Rev. Kerry Clear of Brazil First United Methodist Church to share your voice and vision for a Clay County that addresses important issues, welcomes the stranger in our midst, and provides the resources necessary for everyone to thrive. This conversation is in partnership with the Communities Not Cages Indiana Coalition and is a part of the national Communities Not Cages Advocacy Day during the first week of March.