The Sound Strike Artists Boycott of Arizona to Conduct Food and Toy Drive in Arizona

LOS ANGELES, Dec. 9, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- For years Arizona has become ground zero for aggressive anti-migrant policies and tactics. While much of the attention has been focused on Arizona's SB 1070, several additional enforcement programs unjustly crack down on migrant communities and have resulted in heart wrenching separation of families. Many children have had their parents deported or detained indefinitely and have been left to be cared for by neighbors, other family members and friends.

The Clinton era 287(g) Program provides federal resources for enforcement and detention of immigrants. Sheriff Joe Arpaio is currently under federal investigation for alleged abuses of these funds. President Obama added his own punitive program, inaccurately named, "Secure Communities" to provide database communications between law enforcement agencies. While popular with anti-migrant extremists, prison construction, computer and software companies the human toll of these policies have been a trail of tears and heartaches.

"Hundreds of fathers and mothers are taken from their children every day. While we continue to fight for our rights we want to help put a smile on the faces of the little chavalitos and chavalitas (youngsters) and hope the staple foods help to ease the burden on the families," said Carlos Garcia an organizer with PUENTE in Arizona.  

The Sound Strike has collaborated with several organizations to solicit, store and deliver food and toys to families. Many individuals across the country have committed to help gather toys, help distribute them or by donating online.

Those interested in making a donation can do so online at http://bit.ly/toy-drive-donation or use their cell phone to give $5 by texting "ARIZONA" to 50555. Drop off locations for toy donations are also available online.

The 40 tons of food will be distributed by PUENTE and Arizona. The Arizona Toy Drive is being led by National Day Labor Organizing Network (NDLON), AltoArizona, Presente.org, and community leaders. "Arizona is one of the states that most deported immigrants this year and children in Arizona are paying the price. We are asking everyone to do what they can to bring some joy to families in these times of hardship," said Favianna Rodriguez a Bay Area artist who designed the flier and will be joining the Posada on December 18th in Phoenix.

Background Arizona

In May 2010 Arizona signed into law SB 1070 requiring all law enforcement officers to target Latinos for harassment in their zealous and fanatical persecution of immigrants. Cities, counties, nations, schools, businesses, organizations and artists across the globe responded by forming an International Boycott of Arizona in support of the struggle for basic human rights.

About The Sound Strike

Sound Strike is a coalition of artists that have committed to supporting the International Boycott of Arizona in the wake of the passage of SB 1070.  These artists form part of a larger artist community to raise awareness and opposition to the predatory and punitive treatment of immigrants in Arizona.

For more information search 'thesoundstrike' @facebook/twitter.

SOURCE The Sound Strike