As ICE increases its immigration arrests nationwide, local residents have formed rapid response groups in cities, villages, and towns across the country – including in the Mid-Hudson Valley region. Rapid response groups are typically networks that mobilize residents quickly if potential immigration enforcement activities are suspected and document the activities.

The Ulster Rapid Response Network is a community-based deportation defense group in Ulster County, mobilizing people and resources to defend immigrants in Ulster County from ICE. Radio Catskill’s Kimberly Izar spoke with Diana Méndez, a member of the Ulster Rapid Response Network, to learn more.