Grassroots and growing: How Richmonders are responding to immigration enforcement
VENN
RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — As the divide over federal immigration enforcement continues across the country, millions of Americans are making their voices heard -- and that includes grassroots efforts right here in Richmond.
In Central Virginia, that response has taken many forms over the past year -- from protests both large and small to high school walkouts and nationwide shopping boycotts.
But some efforts are unfolding more quietly.
"People say on social media and interviews, ‘You know, you’re a coffee shop, just shut up,’" said Abi's Books & Brews manager Mailie Duffin. "But if you have any type of platform at all, I do feel like you should speak up."
MORE: ‘Knowledge is powerful,' Richmonders gather to learn about their rights when facing ICE
The bookstore café created a special "Ice Melting" menu for the month of February -- a response Duffin said is tied to recent violence and increased activity from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
"We’re in a city that cares about its people, including immigrants," she said.
Ten percent of proceeds from drinks on the menu are being donated to the Richmond Community Legal Fund, a nonprofit that supports local immigrants. The shop is also accepting physical donations and selling books connected to the cause.
Anti-ICE flyer posted in Abi's Books & Brews in Richmond. (Photo: 8News)
List of items Abi's Books & Brews in Richmond is collecting for immigrants. (Photo: 8News)
"We do have a lot of people that pay attention to us right, right now," Duffin said. "So why not use that and do something with it?"
MORE: Richmond school community urges support for immigrant families amid ICE concerns
Duffin isn't alone in that approach.
Alex Na, a local content creator known online as the "Free Tiramisu Guy," has built a following of nearly 10,000 people in just a few months through community dessert giveaways that draw hundreds.
"[I] never expected it to get this big," Na said.
Now, he is using that platform to speak out against immigration enforcement.
"If I can use my platform to create some sort of change … that’s enough for me to keep making these videos," Na said.
He said the issue is personal, as he's an immigrant, himself.
"I don’t want to be shy about talking about it, because it hits close to home," Na said. "I think that’s part of our job description, 100%."
Abi’s Books and Brews plans to keep its special menu available through February. For more information on the donations it needs, check out the shop's social media.
Na is also hosting community dessert events this weekend. You can visit ILYSM Books at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 14 or the PARK RVA at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 15 for some free dessert.
For more on immigration enforcement in Central Virginia, click here.
