IMMIGRATION

ECCO immigrant leaders have shared powerful stories of fleeing political violence and poverty in search of safety and opportunity. But even after arriving here, many were forced to live in fear—unable to access basic needs like healthcare or education because they didn’t have a driver’s license. Employers and landlords often exploited this fear, threatening to call ICE if they spoke up.

Together, we fought back. ECCO leaders helped pass local, state, and national policies to protect immigrant rights—including the 2022 Work and Family Mobility Act, which allows all qualified drivers, regardless of immigration status, to apply for a license. One ECCO leader, J., bravely testified how fear of deportation prevented her from driving her husband to the hospital, where he later died. Stories like hers helped move hearts—and votes.

ECCO organizers helped mobilize thousands of people across the North Shore to pass the bill and defend it at the ballot box. Locally, we’ve stood with immigrant families at ICE check-ins, in courtrooms, and at vigils—stopping deportations and passing sanctuary policies that keep families together and communities safe.

This is the power of organizing. This is how we win.