Families in our area were torn apart during the ICE raids in April. At a recent vigil at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Asheville, concerned community members gathered to hear from members of some of these families. The stories were heartbreaking to say the least. Tears were shed for missing husbands, fathers, a son, a brother. You can watch JMPRO TV’s livestream of the vigil here, and see the WLOS story about the vigil here. CIMA is hosting another vigil in Hendersonville tonight, May 23, click here for more information.

In addition to the challenges faced by the absence of primary breadwinners and caregivers, these distressed families are facing daunting bureaucracy and expenses as they fight to reunite with their loved ones.

The speakers at the vigil asked for U.S. Congressman Mark Meadows to intervene with ICE on behalf of the people from his district that are in custody, asking that they be released on bond, as representatives in other states have done. This ask can also be made to Senator Thom Tillis. You can contact these elected officials with this request.

***If you are business owner or work for a business that is willing, please click here to sign a letter from WNC Business Owners asking Meadows and Tillis to take action on behalf of the detainees. And please share that link with other businesses.***

In addition, there is still a need for bond money, click here to make a donation, note “Bond Fund” when you give. I learned the other night that most of those detained still have not been given the option of getting out on bond. The hope is that they will be, and that enough funds will be raised so they can be with their families during the arduous process of working through the courts for their right not to be deported.

We continue to be a community of care, advocating for our neighbors.

Migration is natural.

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