A young mother, carrying her three-month-old daughter, stood in front of the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Atlanta field office, preparing to self-deport. Her husband had been deported to Venezuela in February, leaving her alone, homeless, and without a job.
A Story of Struggle
The mother’s story is not an anomaly, but rather a troubling pattern observed by the Program Director for Casa Alterna, who coordinates teams of volunteers to provide companionship to immigrants reporting to ICE. These vulnerable immigrants often come unaware of the risks they may face and the uncertainty of their appointments.
The ICE office, located in a part of downtown that people generally avoid, has a reputation for holding people indefinitely with little food, no access to visitors or lawyers, and poor living conditions. The thought of a three-month-old baby being held in such conditions is chilling.
The presence of volunteers from Casa Alterna aims to provide support and solidarity to these immigrants, embodying a culture of encounter and affirming their humanity. By listening to their stories and standing in solidarity, they assert that these individuals are not just numbers, but human beings deserving of dignity and respect.
Original reporting: SaportaReport — read the source article.
