FRONTLINE DIGNITY HOSTS RAPID RESPONSE TRAINING IN PITTSBURGH AS ICE SHIFTS ENFORCEMENT INTO NEIGHBORHOODS
PITTSBURGH, PA — January 18, 2026 — As immigration enforcement increasingly shifts into neighborhoods, workplaces, and public spaces, Frontline DIGNITY will host an in-person Dignity in Action Rapid Response Training on Tuesday, January 20, from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. at Shadyside Presbyterian Church, 5121 Westminster Pl, Pittsburgh, PA 15232. Frontline DIGNITY builds and supports community capacity to respond lawfully to federal immigration enforcement through training, local and national partnerships, and the development of neighbors into principled organizers. The training comes amid heightened local concern over immigration enforcement practices and recent demonstrations across Pittsburgh calling on elected officials to reject cooperation
with ICE. Nationally, enforcement has shifted away from jail-based arrests toward community- based operations, increasing risks for families, workers, and children and underscoring the need for informed, coordinated community response. Frontline DIGNITY’s Rapid Response Training prepares everyday neighbors to respond lawfully and effectively when immigration enforcement activity occurs. Participants will learn how to recognize enforcement activity, understand their rights, document safely, and support impacted families without escalating risk. The training will also include a special presentation from local public defenders on ethical witnessing, de-escalation, and legal observing. “At its core, this training is about recognizing the inherent dignity of every person and refusing to let fear dictate how we treat one another,” said Jaime Martinez, Founder and Executive Director of Frontline DIGNITY. “We are at our best when we meet the call to be good neighbors. The evening will invite people to respond to uncertainty with clarity, to suffering with presence, and to injustice with a commitment to protect life, family, and community.” The event is open to the public and no legal or organizing experience is required. Doors open at 5:45 p.m., and advance registration is encouraged at bit.ly/RapidResponsePGH.