Dignity in Action Rapid Response Training: When ICE Appears

When immigration enforcement shows up in our neighborhoods, schools, workplaces, or places of worship, communities deserve more than fear and confusion. They deserve preparation, care, and coordinated response.

This Dignity in Action Rapid Response Training, hosted by Frontline DIGNITY, prepares community members to respond lawfully, calmly, and collectively during immigration enforcement activity. The goal is community defense rooted in dignity, legal rights, and care for those most impacted.

This session is designed for all experience levels:

• New to rapid response? You’ll receive a clear, practical foundation so you can hit the ground running.
• If you've already attended a rapid response training before, you will benefit from our special presentation: This training prepares neighbors to respond to immigration enforcement (ICE) with care, ethical witnessing, and community support, so families are never left alone in moments of fear. Public defenders Lauren Leiggi and Sarah Hampton will also lead a special session on ethical witnessing, showing how to observe and document safely while centering the dignity of those impacted.

The goal is readiness. Everyone leaves knowing exactly how to act when it matters.

Participants will gain practical, grounded tools to support their communities, including:

• How immigration enforcement typically operates and what to expect on the ground
• What has changed in enforcement patterns and why it matters
• The legal rights of individuals and witnesses during enforcement encounters
• How to engage in ethical witnessing without interfering or escalating
• How rapid response networks function during real-time enforcement activity
• How to support impacted families and individuals with care, clarity, and coordination

This training is appropriate for educators, faith leaders, organizers, service providers, neighbors, and anyone committed to protecting human dignity in moments of fear.

No prior experience is required.

Across the country, enforcement activity has intensified, with families separated, children impacted, and communities left without information or support in critical moments.

Rapid response is about preparation, not panic. It ensures that when enforcement occurs, people are not isolated, that they are seen, supported, and protected through collective action.

Frontline DIGNITY works nationwide to equip communities with tools that translate dignity into action, not just intention.

Location:
St. Adalbert Church, South Side
160 S 15th St, Pittsburgh, PA 15203

Date:
Tuesday, January 20, 2026

Time:
6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Doors open at 5:45 PM

Registration:
RSVP is strongly encouraged to help us prepare materials and seating.
Walk-ins are welcome, and registration will also be available in person.

• Community members concerned about immigration enforcement
• Educators, union members, and school staff
• Faith leaders and congregants
• Mutual aid volunteers and organizers
• Anyone who believes dignity must extend beyond walls and into action

Frontline DIGNITY is committed to creating spaces rooted in respect, accessibility, and care.

Important note: St. Adalbert Church does not have accessible bathrooms.
Anyone with accessibility needs will be walked by a volunteer to the Parish Center to use the restroom there. Please let a volunteer know when you arrive so we can support you.

If you have additional access needs or questions, please contact us ahead of time so we can do our best to accommodate.

Limited parking is available near the church.

• Street-side lot: A small parking lot with approximately 15 spaces is located on 14th Street, directly next to St. Adalbert Church.
• Additional parking: Attendees may also park at the Parish Center lot located at 81 S. 13th Street, just a short walk from the church.

We recommend arriving early to allow time for parking and check-in.

Frontline DIGNITY

www.frontlinedignity.org
Instagram: @frontlinedignity

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