Karen Reising, co-president of League of Women Voters of Southwestern Indiana, speaks at today's press conference.

In communities across the country, increased immigration enforcement has created fear and uncertainty among immigrant families - many of whom are long-time residents, workers, and neighbors. When people are afraid to go to work, attend school, or participate in public life, the entire community suffers.


In response, Indivisible Evansville and the League of Women Voters of Southwestern Indiana are launching a project to visibly stand with the local immigrant community - “Signs of Solidarity,” a grassroots effort to encourage businesses and other community spaces to make immigrants feel welcome.


The campaign focuses on two key actions:


  • Asking local businesses and other community spaces to display signs in windows or entrances that declare immigrants are welcome. 
  • Encouraging those businesses to designate and clearly mark private employee-only areas (e.g., break rooms, storage, back offices) where ICE cannot legally enter without a signed judicial warrant.

Here’s how the public can help:


  • Volunteer to help canvass local businesses and distribute signs
  • Own a business? Host a sign in your window or outside your storefront
  • Donate to help cover printing costs

The groups launched the effort on Día de los Muertos/Day of the Dead at EVPL West, where for several years there was a vibrant community celebration in which Mexican culture was shared and celebrated. This year the 9th annual event was canceled.

“The loss of Evansville’s Día de los Muertos festival is painful, but it’s only a small reflection of a much greater harm,” said Wendy Bredhold, president of Indivisible Evansville. “The real tragedy is that ICE raids and intimidation have torn families apart and disappeared people from their communities. We’ve lost a festival, but more importantly we’ve lost the ability of our neighbors to celebrate who they are without fear.”

“Immigrants are one of the fundamental wellsprings of American democracy.  We are proud to show our support of these individuals and families who demonstrate the determination, resilience, and fortitude on which America was built,” said Karen Reising, Co-President, League of Women Voters of Southwestern Indiana.

For more information, email [email protected].