The Freedom Network held an emergency meeting after Pawlenty\'s announcement Monday and plans a large "Unity Meeting" on Monday, Jan. 14, at 6 p.m. at the Network\'s offices, 2500 University Avenue, Suite C7, St. Paul.

Pawlenty\'s plan is "irresponsible as it seeks to divide communities through fear, increased racial profiling and criminalization; mean-spirited as it continues to scapegoat immigrant communities instead of looking to address the root causes of immigration; and a complete failure for not recognizing the positive contributions of the immigrant community and building on them," the Network said in a statement e-mailed to members.

The Freedom Network has conducted protest against deportations and held rallies and other events to support comprehensive immigration reform. More strategies to support immigrant families will be discussed at the unity meeting, organizers said.

For more information
Visit http://immigrantfreedomnetwork.wordpress.com/

Related articles
State agency at odds with Pawlenty on immigration

Minnesota Chicano Latino Affairs Council Statement on Immigration