Photo by Kaitlyn Austin and Casi Bjorgaard

With ICE detainments increasing by the day and traffic stops contributing to the danger of deportation, the Kansas City Democratic Socialists of America offers an opportunity to keep the community safe through their free Break Light Repair Clinic. 

The Kansas City DSA initially got this idea from the New Orleans DSA, which started the Brake Light Repair Clinic to reduce detention and police violence in the wake of the death of Philando Castile in 2016, all because of a traffic stop. Now that police are working with ICE, the need for community involvement has only become greater. 

“I joined the KCDSA this year, and I started getting involved and going to different events,” says Jacob Wallace, a volunteer with the KCDSA. “I work as a mechanic, and I thought that seemed like the perfect way to give back to my community. I didn’t have any real drive to get involved with them until recently, just due to the state of the world and how things have deteriorated with this current administration. I felt like I needed to get involved and do something, instead of sitting at home being anxious about everything. ” 

The Brake Light Repair Clinic is part of a bigger KCDSA local grassroots campaign called KC ICE Free, which focuses on protecting the community, getting people involved in canvassing, and making sure people know their rights.

Another way the KCDSA ensures the safety of our immigrant neighbors is Know Your Rights canvassing, which spreads useful information that people can use if they run into ICE, as well as the Monarch Pledge. This pledge is available for businesses and employers to sign, committing to a coalition of professional support against ICE. 

“KC Ice Free specifically seems to be one of the most active groups in the area that’s actually trying to help out the community,” explains Wallace. “For my job as a mechanic, I try to hold myself to a good standard and help people out as best as I can, but ultimately I am still operating within the structure of taking people’s money for a profit. In a way, the Brake Light Clinic helps me mentally just be like: ‘Ok, I am using my powers for good.’” 

For Wallace and other volunteers at the KCDSA, the main priority is to make the community safer. This isn’t just a job, it’s a service that creates a personal connection between volunteer and visitor. 

Photo by Kaitlyn Austin and Casi Bjorgaard

“We’ve heard so many people say this is what community should be like; it’s looking out for and trying to protect one another, especially because of situations caused by ICE,” says Wallace. “It’s also just nice to talk to people and get them acquainted with the DSA and our efforts, and show them we’re not just a glorified book club. We’re actively trying to make things better in the world.”

If you wish to get involved, you can volunteer at the next Free Brake Light Repair Clinic on July 25, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Good Shepherd United Methodist in Kansas City, MO, join in canvassing for the Monarch Pledge, or you can donate here. Check out the Kansas City Democratic Socialists of America’s website to learn of even more ways to help protect our community, or to join as a member.