Hollywood heavyweights are lending their voices to a cause that hits close to home for many immigrant families. Mark Hamill, known for his role in Star Wars, Jesse Eisenberg, Dulé Hill of The West Wing, and Bernadette Peters are set to headline a virtual benefit reading of the 1986 animated classic An American Tail. The event, scheduled for September 10, is organized by the Workers Circle, a Jewish social justice organization that has long championed immigrant rights.
The Workers Circle framed the star-studded reading as part of its "ongoing efforts to defend this country's immigrant communities during President Trump's second term and to build a more just and inclusive democracy." The choice of An American Tail is deliberate: the film tells the story of Fievel, a young mouse who emigrates from the Russian Empire with his Jewish family to the United States in search of a better life. It's a narrative that resonates with the current political climate, where immigrant communities face heightened threats of detention, deportation, and family separation.
In a statement, the organization noted that "at a moment when immigrant communities across the country face increased threats of detention, deportation and family separation, the hopes and struggles at the heart of 'An American Tail' remain deeply relevant." The event aims to raise funds for the Workers Circle's advocacy and legal support efforts, with tickets priced between $18 and $72.
Joining the main cast are Richard Kind, Josh Andrés Rivera of West Side Story, Tracie Thoms, and Malky Goldman. Their participation underscores the entertainment industry's growing engagement with immigration issues, a topic that has become a political flashpoint under the Trump administration. The benefit comes at a time when immigration courts are struggling to keep pace with the administration's aggressive enforcement agenda, leading to a massive backlog of cases.
The urgency of the event is underscored by recent data from the Deportation Data Project, which reported that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detained nearly 50,000 people in July—the highest monthly total of Trump's second term. That figure reflects the administration's intensified crackdown, which has sparked legal challenges and public outcry. The Workers Circle's initiative is part of a broader push by advocacy groups to counter these policies and provide support to affected families.
The live reading will be streamed online, allowing participants from across the country to tune in. Organizers hope the event will not only raise funds but also draw attention to the human impact of current immigration policies. "We're using art to shine a light on a crisis that's often hidden behind statistics," said a spokesperson for the Workers Circle. "Fievel's journey is a reminder of what America is supposed to stand for—a haven for those fleeing persecution."
The event also taps into a nostalgia for the beloved film, which has become a cultural touchstone for many immigrant families. For the actors involved, it's an opportunity to use their platforms for advocacy. "This is more than a reading; it's a statement," said a representative for one of the participants. "These actors are standing with immigrant communities at a time when they need allies the most."
As the Trump administration continues to push for stricter border controls and mass deportations, events like this serve as a counter-narrative. They highlight the stories of those who came to America seeking freedom and opportunity, and they remind audiences of the country's immigrant roots. The Workers Circle's benefit is set to be a poignant blend of entertainment and activism, with a clear message: the fight for immigrant rights is far from over.
