May 24, 2008: Due to what is perceived to be as an anti-immigrant, racist climate, immigrant leaders from across the Midwest gathered Saturday at the Farm Labor Organizing Committee (FLOC) headquarters in Toledo to decide future courses of action aimed at the defense of their respective communities concerning raids and deportations; they also met to discuss comprehensive immigration reform, which may become a reality after the elections in November.

Community leaders from various organizations have met several times in Indianapolis, Chicago, Madison, and Detroit and have formally united under the banner of the Asamblea Permanente del Medio Oeste en Defensa de los Derechos de los Inmigrantes. 

In attendance were organizers from Madison, Chicago, Cincinnati, Columbus, Toledo, Indianapolis, and Detroit. The various representatives summarized the current climate in their respective cities and states. 

 Beatriz Maya of FLOC