We firmly believe that, at our core, we all share a common humanity, and this sense of unity is our foundation. As a volunteer-run group, we challenge social inequality because we believe that the public deserves transparency and those at the top need to be held accountable. We are determined to ensure that every member of our community is treated equally, regardless of their origin or journey to this valley, by providing education on immigration laws and local government regulations. Additionally, we focus on supporting and empowering immigrant families to be active community members, fostering a sense of belonging that leads to a stronger investment in our community.
A diverse community is a resilient community, and our unwavering mission is to build that strength together.
Our mission is to educate and empower the people of Cache valley in sociopolitical issues about immigration and racial discrimination; to advocate for greater accountability of local, regional, and state government officials; and most importantly, to provide resources and information about their constitutional and human rights.
We envision a version of Cache Valley where the immigrant community is not afraid to participate in community events, where youth from all backgrounds feel empowered to build inclusive spaces, and to secure good faith representation in all levels of governance
Lazoz hosts recurring Community Cenas, or dinners, where we offer resources and information to understand the immigration system. In particular, we offer Emergency Preparedness Workshops, which help neighbors understand their constitutional rights as residents, bystanders, and community members. These Cenas are an opportunity for community-building, and they are organized on an as-needed basis in safe, private spaces.
Our outreach efforts involve canvassing around predominantly Hispanic spaces to share information, resources, and invitations to the Cenas. In this way, we allow our neighbors to get to know us before they need our services.
In order to understand the mass deportation project from different angles, we research Utah’s immigration history and local policy, and analyze available quantitative data about detentions and criminality in the present moment. We also debunk myths and rumors about the shifting immigration landscape by maintaining active dialogue with trusted attorneys and legislators at different levels of state governance.
Future efforts for the organization will include the creation of easily accessible and digestible content to share our research findings.
The primary service we offer is a free 10-minute consultation with an immigration attorney. After hearing an overview of the case, they will then offer legal advice, provide a referral to the appropriate law practitioner, and/or start working on the case right away.
Law practitioners affiliated with Lazoz are committed to offering an affordable consultation rate (between $100-$200, depending on the attorney and the complexity of each case).
Lazoz has entered a network of trusted attorneys and public defenders throughout Utah, with practitioners covering immigration, family, property, and criminal law. Law practitioners within the Lazoz network are committed to acting in good faith, staying informed about new developments in immigration policy, and prioritizing the civic and human rights of immigrants in Cache Valley.
Because the removal process is swift, our neighbors depend on quick action. The Rapid Response Network is a hotline where community members can report ICE sightings or detentions. Our team of verifiers then scouts the location and either confirms or denies the report. If verified, Lazoz informs the community. If a neighbor is detained, Lazoz works to get in touch with the detainee’s family and/or friends.
Most of our funds (85%) are directed toward assistance with legal fees of various kinds, from small expenses such as funding phone calls from people inside detention centers to more substantial amounts such as filing fees for appealing unlawful removal orders.
Lazoz uses an Emergency Preparedness Packet created by our partner organization, Ogden United with Immigrants, to encourage our immigrant neighbors, regardless of legal status, to have a solid plan in case of detention or deportation. The packet includes worksheets for collecting important information such as ID numbers, bank accounts, and homeownership documents. It encourages parents to make plans for their children's care, and to list friends or relatives who are willing to take legal responsibility of their assets. Most importantly, it encourages families to secure legal representation before any emergencies happen.
Through these Emergency Preparedness efforts, Lazoz has helped two neighbors who were racially profiled and in the process of forced removal to be released from ICE custody and return home to Cache Valley.
For neighbors who can’t drive or are afraid to obtain their privilege license, we offer transportation support on an as-needed basis.