Stories

U.S. detention and deportation policies tear apart families and communities, yet too often the voices of those most directly impacted are lost in the larger immigration debate.


In this section you will learn some of their stories. If you would like to submit a story please contact Jacki Esposito for more information.

Posted: July 17, 2010

I have sent copies of my statement to the mayor and governor explaining my situation in Lebanon and I have much more evidence to present as well. I need help!

Posted: July 23, 2010

“I cannot let my son grow up without a father & mother. I love my son with all my heart. I have established a great bond with him that I would like to believe will not be broken by distance. The harsh reality of it is that it will be…My son needs me and I feel helpless.”

Posted: July 17, 2010

I have sent copies of my statement to the mayor and governor explaining my situation in Lebanon and I have much more evidence to present as well. I need help!

Posted: July 14, 2010

Everything happened so fast, Pedro was gone in just a moment…
On Friday September 25, 2009, at 4am in the morning, there was a loud banging on the door and someone shouting, "Police! Open up!" I knew it was immigration. I also knew it was better not to open the door. They banged and yelled and shined flashlights into our windows. We were terrified! After about 30 minutes of banging and fear, they left. Logan, our 3 year old son, was terrified and traumatized. So were we.

Posted: July 13, 2010

“[My] Human Rights have been violated and [I] am very sad, depressed and anxious. [I] consider my dignity was unjustly offended, and my dignity and moral [sic] are very important.”

After six months of incarceration, Raymond is pleading for his freedom. His story is an example of the U.S. government’s arbitrary and unnecessary use of detention: Raymond does not pose a flight risk, he has a stable residence, a job to return to, and the unconditional support of his wife and family, yet he faces indefinite detention.