John,

Last week, a federal judge ordered the release of all children held in ICE's family jails by July 17th, citing concerns over COVID-19. This order is a step in the right direction and a testament to the power of our movement, but it is unfortunately not as good as it might sound at first.

Because the judge didn't have jurisdiction over these children's parents, ICE can decide whether these kids will be released with their families or torn from their parents' arms. Six children and dozens of adults have died in U.S. immigration custody—so we can't trust that ICE will do the right thing, even though a federal judge referred to the conditions in the jails being so dire it's as if they were "on fire."

One way to make a difference right now is to give to groups on the ground fighting for these families, whether offering pro-bono legal representation or lining up direct services.

We've launched a fund that will split donations equally among three of our partners who are providing critical legal and community services to children and families in detention. Help them #FreeTheFamilies now.

I know a lot of us can't see our own families this year for the Fourth of July because of social distancing and travel restrictions. Many of us have even lost loved ones. For those of us who are able to be with loved ones, the celebrations might feel a bit muted with everything that's happened this year.

This is a critical time for us to reflect on whether or not this is the country we want to be.

Should America be a place where babies are ripped from their mothers' arms? Possibly forever? Should we be a nation where family jails even exist?

We have the power to reject that vision for our country. One way to stand up for our true values is to make sure every child in detention has access to the best advocates and lawyers. And the best way to make sure of that is to fund the organizations working day and night to set these children free with their families.

Don't wait—these families need your support today. Donate now to support groups on the ground working to #FreeTheFamilies.

Your gift will go a long way towards ensuring that justice prevails and no family is torn apart by the court order. With just two weeks left before the judge's deadline for ICE to release the children, we have to do everything we can to protect the families and pressure ICE and this administration to do the right thing.

Stay tuned for more updates from us—these next two weeks are going to be a whirlwind, and we can't do this without you.

Thanks for everything you do,

Cheska Perez
Families Belong Together Organizer

PS - Ready to take another step? If you haven't already, sign this petition demanding ICE #FreeTheFamilies now.

This email was sent by the National Domestic Workers Alliance, the nation’s leading voice for dignity and fairness for the millions of domestic workers in the United States.