January/February 2026 Newsletter
- Neighbors for Refugees
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
Challenges for Refugee Families
Extreme “detain first; ask questions later” tactics by ICE and Customs & Border Patrol (CBP) in Minneapolis have wreaked havoc on refugee communities there – e.g., fear of attending school, using food banks, going to work, even answering the door at home. Reports indicate that more than 100 refugees (residing in Minneapolis legally and with no criminal record) have been arrested without cause or judicial warrant. |  |
What’s happening in Minneapolis is happening throughout the country. Reports of enforcement activity across Westchester County, including Port Chester, further underscore the need for preparedness, coordination, and sustained community support. Neighbors for Refugees has supported nearly 100 families (approximately 350 individuals) in building new lives in Westchester County and beyond since 2017. We have been the lead sponsor for ~50 of these families, of whom we believe 15 or so are currently at higher risk. As the political landscape continues to shift, we are working closely with these families to assess their risk of ICE detention or deportation and to ensure they have access to legal resources to help them defend their rights and continue to thrive in our communities.
2026 Priorities: Expanding Support for Refugee Families
We are prioritizing significant financial and volunteer resources to defend refugee families’ rights and provide critical financial support when government policies jeopardize access to employment, housing, or healthcare. We are nearly doubling last year’s investment in services for refugee families, including $200,000 for legal and government fees to defend against detention and deportation, and to support the adjudication of asylum, Green Card, and other applications.
Another $200,000 will fund our new Economic Vulnerability Relief Initiative. This new initiative will provide financial assistance for housing, food, and medical needs when refugee families we work with face job loss, detention, or loss of healthcare access (Medicare, Medicaid, and Affordable Care Act eligibility ends in October). Additionally, 2026 priority funding includes nearly $90,000 to continue support for recently resettled families and potentially new arrivals, and nearly $50,000 for grants to address immediate or short-term needs, such as emergency medical bills, job training, ESL courses, short-term housing, or baby supplies.
Thank You for Your Generosity
Thank you to the many generous supporters who contributed to Neighbors in 2025 and especially during our year-end appeal. During December and early January, we realised nearly double our donation goal. This extraordinary response reflects your commitment to stand alongside refugee families during this time of profound uncertainty and ensures that critical support and services can continue for families working to build stability, safety, and opportunity. Together, we are making a profound and positive difference in the lives of refugee families who are facing unprecedented challenges from government policies.
A special shout-out to the hosts of the Too Scary; Didn't Watch podcast, who encouraged listeners during their December 22 episode to support Neighbors for Refugees! The strength of this response sends a clear message: refugee families are not alone, and community solidarity remains strong. Thank you.
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