Report on the Mobile Mexican Consulate Event in Montpelier

Overview

On Saturday, June 21, the annual mobile Mexican Consulate event was held at Christ Church in Montpelier, Vermont. Despite recent challenges faced by the migrant community, including the detention of two migrant workers on June 14, the event attracted at least 132 attendees from across Vermont, although this number was notably lower than the over 200 participants recorded last year.

Security and Attendance Adjustments

Heightened concerns due to increased raids by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the U.S. Border Patrol led to significant changes in the event’s organization, reflecting the ongoing challenges faced by migrant communities in line with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions.

• Only one entrance and exit was allowed, compared to multiple access points in previous years.
• Social and outdoor activities, such as food tables, music, and health checks, were moved indoors to enhance security.
• Security personnel were present to ensure safety, responding to concerns about suspicious activities.

Community Impact and Awareness

The event served as a critical platform for providing vital services and fostering community solidarity, aligning with SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, and SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities.

1. Document Assistance: Staff from the Mexican Consulate assisted attendees with document processing and updates.
2. Health Services: Bridges to Health, in partnership with the People’s Health and Wellness Clinic, offered health screenings, vaccinations, and consultations, facilitating access to healthcare for migrant populations.
3. Rights Education: Community members, including volunteers like Olga, shared information about Migrant Justice and legal rights, empowering migrants to navigate their circumstances safely.

Challenges Faced by the Migrant Community

The event highlighted ongoing vulnerabilities and the urgent need for support, reflecting SDG 1: No Poverty, and SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth.

• Fear of detention permeated the community, with participants expressing concerns about safety even within trusted spaces.
• The detention of community leaders Jose “Nacho” Ignacio De La Cruz and Heidi Perez underscored the emotional and social toll on migrant families.
• Calls for community support and advocacy were emphasized to address these challenges and promote social inclusion.

Conclusion

The mobile Mexican Consulate event in Montpelier remains a vital initiative supporting migrant communities by providing essential services and fostering resilience amid adversity. The event’s alignment with multiple Sustainable Development Goals underscores the importance of integrated approaches to promote health, justice, equality, and well-being for all.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • The article discusses health screenings, vaccinations, and health consultations provided at the mobile Mexican Consulate event, highlighting efforts to improve health services accessibility for migrant communities.
2. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • The event supports migrant workers and their rights, addressing social inclusion and reducing inequalities faced by migrants, especially in the context of immigration enforcement fears.
3. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • The article highlights issues related to immigration enforcement, detention of community leaders, and the importance of legal rights awareness, connecting to justice and institutional support for vulnerable populations.
4. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • The collaboration between the Mexican Consulate, Migrant Justice, Bridges to Health, and local clinics exemplifies partnerships aimed at delivering integrated services to migrants.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Target 3.8: Achieve universal health coverage, including access to quality essential health-care services and access to safe, effective, quality, and affordable essential medicines and vaccines for all.
   • Target 3.3: End the epidemics of communicable diseases and provide health screenings and vaccinations as preventive measures.
2. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • Target 10.3: Ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome, including by eliminating discriminatory laws, policies, and practices and promoting appropriate legislation, policies, and action.
3. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all.
   • Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable, and transparent institutions at all levels.
4. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • Target 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private, and civil society partnerships.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. For SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being):
   • Indicator 3.8.1: Coverage of essential health services – implied by the availability of health screenings, vaccinations, and consultations at the event.
   • Indicator 3.3.4: Hepatitis B vaccination coverage among one-year-olds – implied through vaccination services offered.
2. For SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities):
   • Indicator 10.3.1: Proportion of population reporting having personally felt discriminated against or unfairly treated – implied by the concerns over immigration enforcement and detentions.
3. For SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions):
   • Indicator 16.3.1: Proportion of victims of violence who reported their victimization to competent authorities or other officially recognized conflict resolution mechanisms – implied by the community’s awareness and fight against detentions.
   • Indicator 16.6.2: Proportion of the population satisfied with their last experience of public services – implied by the trust in consulate services and legal support.
4. For SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals):
   • No specific indicator mentioned, but the collaboration among organizations implies monitoring of partnership effectiveness.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: vtdigger.org