John,
 

The manifold injustices of the immigrant detention and deportation system have never been more apparent than they are now. Even so, sometimes a story of such naked cruelty comes across our path that we are left shaken and moved to action.

One such story is the recent experience of Javier Tomas Muñoz Materano, who while being unlawfully detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, was shuffled from one detention center to another without access to any change of clothing and few opportunities to bathe. Javier was left without the use of his legs at times while in ICE detention due to severe medical neglect—"deliberate indifference," or intentional cruelty on the part of his jailers.

The cruelty suffered by Javier doesn’t end with his detainment and lack of medical care. He lost his job and has struggled to find work and housing because of his pain. While his case winds through the courts, with the help of legal support provided by the NYIC, he is still wondering how he will ever get back to the stability he once had and pay his bills.

Immigrant New Yorkers are at risk of having those same indignities foisted upon them. That’s why we created the Emergency Justice Fund to provide direct cash assistance to immigrants who have been detained. All donations raised will go directly to immigrants to support their commissary and bond funds, costs associated with reuniting with their families, legal fees, housing support, and other basic needs resources.

We know that at times it feels like the injustices of the world are inevitable, and that we can only watch as they happen, but we’re here to tell you that you can and should act on your values and convictions. In this moment, we choose solidarity over fear—will you?

The struggle continues,

Murad Awawdeh
President and CEO

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