Community Gardens Unite For Mass Protest Against ICE

BEDFORD-STUYVESANT, BROOKLYN — Community gardens across New York City will unite in a mass protest against the federal government's immigration policies one week after U.S. Immigration Customs and Enforcement agents attempted a mass raid in New York City.

"Community gardens, by their nature, draw in people who want to give their time to enriching their communities," said chief organizer Alice Forbes-Spear, of Bed-Stuy's 462 Halsey Community Garden. "We all have big hearts and want a better world."

The mass protest —which includes events that encourage both political action and personal tranquility — is happening from July 19 to July 21 in 16 gardens in Brooklyn, The Bronx, Manhattan and Queens.

While the 462 Halsey Community Farm will host a letter writing campaign to elected officials and children held in detention centers, East Harlem's Lydia’s Magic Garden will host meditation sessions.

"I think the gardens who are hosting meditation events and prayer circles are fully aware of what a transformative experience relaxing in a garden can be," said Forbes-Speare.

"It's so important for those of us who aren't personally affected to hold space for how stressful this is for affected communities."

The event comes one week after ICE agents threatened a massive raid in 10 American cities but, as Mayor Bill de Blasio told NY1 reporter Gloria Pazmino, attempted only eight unsuccessful arrests in New York.

"I believe most people feel appalled that our country is appalled by this brutal, racist administration," Forbes-Spear said. "It is such a big problem that I think people feel stuck - what can I do? How can I help?"

It was time spent in her community garden on Halsey Street and Lewis Avenue that inspire Forbes-Speare to organize the protest, she said.

"While we often operate in our own little spaces, we share a common commitment to supporting community and encouraging growth," she wrote in an email. "What we really want to do is send a strong message that communities are taking time out of their busy days (and braving the extreme heat) to say NO, NEVER AGAIN."

The protest also coincides with the Parks Department's Open Garden Days, which will bring workshops to community gardens across the city. And so other gardens will go about business as usual: The Bronx's Kelly Street Garden is hosting a ceramics workshop and there's a worm bin building workshop at the Two Coves Community Garden in Queens.

"I can't really put into words how proud I am to be in community with so many people who are participating in this action," Forbes-Speare said.

"So many spaces said, yes, sign me up, we want to help."