In her home country of Venezuela, “Curly,” a young professional working in communications was subject to attacks and persistent threats because of her political stance. She reached a tipping point during the night of April 25th, 2019. That night would be her last in Venezuela, arising the next morning to flee North. Making her way through South America and Mexico, she arrived at the U.S. Mexico border in Juarez, Chihuahua. Upon arrival, she presented herself at the United States port of entry to … [Read more...]
Lucas’ Story: Choosing Deportation Instead of Remaining in Detention
Lucas arrived to the comedor in late May after over three months detained in La Palma, Arizona. His wife and children are on the East Coast pursuing their asylum claims there, but Lucas was sent to detention instead. He was so afraid of contracting the virus that he elected to stop fighting a deportation order, even though he is very afraid of the threat of violence in Mexico. However, he estimated that he was more likely to survive in Mexico instead of detention. He hopes above all to see his … [Read more...]
Esperanza’s Story: “What Comes Next Will Be Worth the Waiting”
Esperanza is currently living in a Nogales, Sonora migrant shelter with her two children, a 12-year-old son and a 13-year-daughter. The family arrived to the border in late January to seek asylum. They fled their native state of Guerrero after the children’s father was murdered and there were threats to the rest of the family’s lives. When they arrived, they put their name on the metering list for asylum, and prepared to wait for several months for their turn to present at the port of … [Read more...]
Alejandro’s Story: “Those of Us In Detention Now Are Praying for a Miracle”
Alejandro is an asylum-seeker from Venezuela who is fleeing political persecution. He spent the summer in Nogales while waiting to present at the port of entry, and has been detained in La Palma since September. In early April, Alejandro shared with KBI staff what it is like to be detained amidst the pandemic. Since the time of the interview, the virus has been confirmed among several detainees in the facility. Alejandro is a 29-year-old man from Venezuela who is seeking asylum in the … [Read more...]
Barbara’s Story: The Weight of Prolonged Detention
Barbara, 28, and her husband Wilson, 29, are Cuban asylum-seekers who have been detained for over six months in various locations in Arizona. They fled conditions that were a threat to their lives and well-being in Cuba, and since arriving to Arizona have been confronted by constant challenges in detention facilities. Though they did not spend much time in Border Patrol custody, what they experience in Eloy and La Palma offers a glimpse into the many indignities faced by immigrants outside of … [Read more...]
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