|
Berkshire Immigrant Center's
Monthly Bulletin
|
|
|
May 2026 | What's Inside:
- Beacon of Hope: BIC's Annual Benefit: Details & Tickets
- Beacon of Hope: Special Guests Deval Patrick & Jorge Ávila
- Immigration Updates: Updated ICE Guidance: Warrantless Forced Entries & Understanding Judicial vs. Administrative Warrants
- BIC Programs, Events & More: Upcoming Clinics & Presentations for Immigrants & Allies
- Community Events: Say Hello & Learn More About BIC
- Local Support: Organizations That Are Supporting BIC
- How to Support BIC
- Contact BIC & Stay Informed
|
|
|
|
Celebrate with Berkshire Immigrant Center at Beacon of Hope, BIC’s annual benefit honoring cultural diversity and supporting essential services for local immigrants and families.
|
|
|
Sunday, June 7, 2026 at Shakespeare & Company in Lenox
This year’s event features former Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick in conversation with acclaimed musician Jorge Ávila about his journey from Honduras and his extraordinary career in classical music. The evening also includes a special performance by Mr. Ávila, a social hour with generous hors d’oeuvres, and a paddle raise led by auctioneer Tom Stebbins.
We hope you will join us in this celebration of music, conversation, community, and support for BIC’s essential work.
Learn more: berkshireic.org/beaconofhope
|
|
|
We are honored to welcome Governor Deval Patrick and Mr. Ávila to Beacon of Hope for an evening of conversation, music, and community.
|
|
Deval Patrick, the 71st Governor of Massachusetts, is widely respected for his optimism, integrity, and lifelong commitment to public service.
Across a distinguished career in law, government, business, education, and civic leadership, he has focused on expanding opportunity, strengthening communities, and helping people find pathways forward.
|
|
|
|
Governor Patrick served two terms as Governor of Massachusetts, led national civil rights work as Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights, and has continued to advance public leadership through his work in impact investing and at Harvard Kennedy School. He remains deeply committed to civic engagement, community, and the work of building a more just and welcoming future.
—
|
|
Jorge Ávila is an internationally recognized violinist whose career has taken him across the United States, Europe, and the Americas as a soloist, concertmaster, chamber musician, Broadway performer, and recording artist.
Born in San Pedro Sula, Honduras, he began studying violin at age 14 before coming to the United States on scholarship to continue his musical training at the University of Georgia and later at Mannes College of Music at The New School.
|
|
|
|
Ávila's journey from Honduras to national and international stages reflects resilience, dedication, and extraordinary artistry.
|
|
|
Unable to attend the Beacon of Hope benefit?
Please consider making a donation to support our work.
|
|
|
Proceeds from this benefit support BIC’s life-changing services for the estimated 10,000 immigrants who call the Berkshires home and help extend trusted support to immigrants and families throughout the surrounding region.
—
Many thanks to this year's Lead Sponsors
|
|
|
The Gilson Family Foundation
|
|
Stay informed with the latest changes, announcements, and legal developments related to immigration laws and procedures.
For past immigration updates, please visit BIC's website at berkshireic.org/resources/immigration-updates
|
|
ICE Agents Reportedly Instructed to Stop Warrantless Forced Entries
NBC News recently reported that ICE agents at field offices around the country have been instructed to no longer force entry into homes without a judicial warrant. This is a change from their previous policy, which allowed agents to force entry using an administrative warrant. This policy came to public attention earlier this year through a leaked internal memo, with advocates questioning whether such a policy violated the fourth amendment.
Sources:
|
|
|
BIC Programs, Events & More
|
|
|
|
BIC offers recurring monthly programs to help community members stay informed, update important information, and connect with trusted legal support. These programs are one part of our broader work alongside immigrants, families, allies, and communities across Berkshire County and the surrounding region.
Below are upcoming dates for June, July, and August. Please note whether each program requires advance registration, an appointment, or is open to walk-ins.
|
|
Immigration Updates
with BIC
June 3 | 11am-12pm
July 1 | 11am-12pm
August 5 | 11am-12pm
Join a BIC case worker to learn about the latest immigration policy changes, legal updates, and government announcements, and answer your questions.
These monthly online presentations are offered in English. Advance registration is required: rb.gy/vwq60g.
|
|
Walk-In Clinics
for Change of Address
June 3 | 4-6pm
July 1 | 4-6pm
August 5 | 4-6pm
Bring documents that were given to you at the border and meet with a BIC case worker for 30-minute sessions to change your address with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and/or Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR).
This monthly walk-in clinic is free of charge.
|
|
Non-Immigration
Law Clinic
June 9 | 10am-12pm
July 14 | 10am-12pm
August 11 | 10am-12pm
Meet with an attorney from Campoli, Monteleone & Mozian P.C. to address urgent legal concerns not related to immigration.
These 30-minute sessions must be scheduled in advance. Please contact BIC’s office at 413-445-4881 or info@berkshireic.org.
|
BIC also offers presentations and workshops to local organizations, businesses, schools, and community groups by request.
Whether you would like to learn more about our services, understand your constitutionally protected rights during encounters with ICE, or arrange a custom presentation on a different topic related to immigration, we can help!
To arrange a presentation, please contact Education Director Donovan Snyder at donovan@berkshireic.org.
|
|
Alongside these upcoming events, BIC's team is here to support immigrants and their families in many other ways, including:
- Immigration legal consultations and eligibility assessments
-
Legal representation for family-based immigration cases
-
Referrals to licensed immigration attorneys and local service providers
-
Free citizenship test preparation classes
-
Presentations, trainings, and workshops on various immigration topics
-
Emergency financial assistance
|
|
|
Say hello to Team BIC at these upcoming community events.
|
|
|
Mass MoCA Community Day
June 13 | 10am-5pm
MASS MoCA’s free biannual community celebration is an invitation to explore every corner of it's creative campus. Enjoy thematic tours, art-making in Kidspace, an opening celebration for Amanda Lovelee's immersive outdoor exhibition Homecoming, and a special author talk between Isaac Fitzgerald, author of American Rambler: Walking the Trail of Johnny Appleseed and Lovelee.
Learn more at massmoca.org/event/community-free-day-summer-2026
|
|
10th Annual Berkshire Pride Festival & Parade
June 20 | 11am-4pm
Pittsfield Common Park
Berkshire Pride celebrates its 10th Annual Festival & Parade on Saturday, June 20, at Pittsfield Common Park. This milestone event honors a decade of love, visibility, and community for the LGBTQIA+ community and allies across the Berkshires. The celebration includes a parade through downtown Pittsfield, live entertainment, food vendors, community organizations, artisans, and activities for all ages.
Learn more at berkshirepride.org
|
|
NAACP Berkshires’ Juneteenth Celebration
June 21 | noon-7pm
Durant Park, Pittsfield
The NAACP Berkshire County Branch invites all to its annual Juneteenth Celebration, which honors the emancipation of enslaved African Americans and celebrates Black freedom, culture, and community.
For details, please visit: naacpberkshires.org/juneteenth-celebration
|
|
|
Support these organizations who support BIC.
|
|
|
Kimball Farms Exhibit Supports BIC
Last chance to visit Fiber Arts and Fashion Design at the Kimball Farms Connector Gallery in Lenox. Proceeds from artwork sales benefit Berkshire Immigrant Center. The exhibit closes June 4. Learn more at Kimball Farms Exhibit: Fiber Arts and Fashion Design.
|
|
BerkChique Supports BIC
Don't miss BerkChique, the annual pop-up clothing sale supporting nonprofits across Berkshire County on June 5-7 at Ventfort Hall in Lenox. Proceeds from BerkChique support several local nonprofits, including BIC’s work serving immigrant individuals and families in our community. Learn more at berkchique.org.
|
|
Every day, BIC helps individuals and families navigate an immigration system that can often feel overwhelming and uncertain.
Please stand with the Berkshire immigrant community.
|
|
— Location —
141 North Street
Suite 303, 3rd floor
Pittsfield, MA
|
|
— Hours —
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 9am-5pm
Wednesday: 10am-6pm
|
|
BIC’s office is closed daily from 12-1pm.
Outside of these hours, please leave a voicemail at 413-445-4881 or email us at info@berkshireic.org and a staff member will follow up.
—
To learn about BIC’s services, make an appointment, discover resources, and access valuable information, visit berkshireic.org. For weekly updates — including immigration policy changes, upcoming BIC workshops and clinics, and Berkshire community news — please follow us on social media.
|
|
|
|
|
