FREE THE BERKS KIDS BEFORE CHRISTMAS!

[berksadvent-blog]

A, age 13, and his mom fled gender-based violence and gang violence in El Salvador. A stopped going to school for fear of being recruited by gang members, who had been harassing him on his way to and from school. He and his mom have been detained for 15 months.

A has been diagnosed with PTSD and a “high level of distress from this condition,” including suicidal ideation. He also has persistent asthma that requires specialized medications to prevent chronic lung changes and acute exacerbations. He is receiving no such treatment.

A writes: “Dear Santa, what I want for this Christmas is, first of all, I want to be outside with my family in Virginia after a year and two months in jail. And also an Xbox 1S and an iPhone 7. Fondly, A—.”

Today, on Christmas Eve and the first night of Hanukkah, we’d like to thank Senator Bob Casey for reaffirming his support yesterday to closing Berks and releasing these families. 

Please join us in thanking him on Facebook, Twitter, or through his website at https://www.casey.senate.gov/contact for his continued support for these kids and their moms.

At the same time, we’d like to encourage the other politicians with the power to close Berks — like PA Governor Tom Wolf, PA Secretary of Human Services Ted Dallas, and the Berks County Commissioners — to act swiftly to #ShutDownBerks and release these families. They have the legal authority to do so. The facility has been operating without a license for almost a year and it should be shut down NOW.

Suggested Facebook post: “Thank you U.S. Senator Bob Casey for your leadership and commitment to closing Berks and freeing these moms and kids. Governor Tom Wolf and Pennsylvania Department of Human Services Secretary Ted Dallas, it is within your power to issue an ERO and #ShutDownBerks today. Free these families who’ve been detained for 450+ days! https://twitter.com/SenBobCasey/status/812371237422895104”

Suggested tweet: “.@GovernorTomWolf @KevinBarnhardt @CYLeinbach This is what leadership & compassion look like. Thank you @SenBobCasey https://twitter.com/SenBobCasey/status/812371237422895104”

Finally, if you’re feeling especially generous here’s the link to our wish list: https://www.amazon.com/registry/wishlist/3080SKEAVNC2F/

Thank you for all you’ve done and continue to do to free these kids. This fight is far from over. Happy holidays!

[guardian]

What do you ask Santa for when you are a child locked up by the US government?

At an immigration detention center in Pennsylvania, a group of 19 children – some as young as two – are about to spend their second consecutive Christmas essentially behind bars as immigration laws leave them in limbo.

The Guardian published their Christmas wishlists – all of which asked for freedom.

‘To leave here with my mommy’

“Dear Santa, this Christmas I would like: Frozen-themed headphones, shoes, an iPad, candy, a skateboard, to leave here with my mommy. I am 6 years old.” 

‘To be with the person waiting for me’

“Dear Santa Clos? I am a girl who has her whole life ahead of her and I want the same freedom as any other girl and on this day, the only thing I ask is to be with the person who is waiting for me on the outside and that person has a very tiny heart [she is referring to her little sister].”

‘Roast beef pupusas’

“Dear Santa, I love computers, PlayStation, go to the beach, video games, but in here it’s not allowed. That’s why I want my liberty. I also love roast beef pupusas. I’m six years old.”

‘My liberty and more things’

“Dear Santa Claus, I want a present and that present should be my liberty and more things. I’m two years old.”

[berksadvent-blog]

For more stories and actions you can take to help these kids get free: http://berksadvent.tumblr.com

[berksadvent-blog]

K, 7, and her mom fled gender-based violence in El Salvador. They have been detained for more than a year.

K’s Christmas list is a simple one: “a stuffed kitty. to be with my family. FREEDOM.”

To help K get her wish: Email and call ICE Deputy Chief of Staff John Amaya at [email protected] / [phone]. Remind him that the primary recommendation of DHS’s own Advisory Committee on Family Residential Centers was to end family detention. Their report stated: “First and most importantly, our overarching recommendation is for DHS simply avoid detaining families." ICE has discretion under the law to release the Berks families. These families must not spend another Christmas in detention, at a cost to taxpayers of $4 MILLION A YEAR, when there are alternatives to detention available.

And after that, if you’d like to get K a stuffed kitty, see our wish list at https://www.amazon.com/gp/registry/wishlist/3080SKEAVNC2F/ref=nav_wishlist_lists_2.

Thank you for all that you’re doing to help these kids get free before Christmas!

[berksadvent-blog]

A, age 4, and his mom fled death threats and threats of kidnapping in Honduras. They have now been detained for more than a year. His mom has suffered a lifetime of horrific abuse from her earliest years, and it continued with A’s father, who threatened to take A away and told her, “No stupid woman is going to have my child.”

A writes: “Dear Santa, on this Christmas I would like to have my freedom. I’ve already spent 14 months in the Berks Center. And I would like a watch and a backpack and some size 12 shoes. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. From: A—. I’m 4 years old.”

Below is a letter from A’s mom too: “My name is —. I arrived in the United States October 24, 2015, and since then I’ve been in detention with my son A—. Here in the center he turned 4 years old. Being in detention is very sad and hopeless. We’ve been here 14 months. I would like to spend Christmas with my daughter, because last Christmas I was here in the detention center. That’s why I’m asking President Barack Obama to let us free soon. Help please.”

To get A the #1 item on his list, here’s what you can do: Email ICE Officers Jennifer Ritchey ([email protected]), Thomas Decker ([email protected]), and Joshua Reid ([email protected]). Tell them that the 16 families who’ve been detained for more than a year - like A and his mom - should be released immediately while their cases are pending. 

And for the other items on A’s list, there’s our wish list: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/registry/wishlist/3080SKEAVNC2F

Thank you for all that you’re doing to get the Berks kids, and their moms, free so they can spend this Christmas with their families.

[berksadvent-blog]

At 15, V is the oldest kid in Berks. He and his mom have been detained 14 months. They fled El Salvador to escape threats from gang members. V was targeted for recruitment and threatened with death if he did not join. Two of his friends were killed by the gang: one because he refused to join, and another because he joined, but later defected.

V’s mom has a large, visible lump in one of her breasts. She has met with Berks onsite medical staff numerous times, but was told that no medical followup would be necessary until pus was being secreted from her breast. After months of requests, she was finally seen by an outside specialist, who confirmed that the lump is of concern and will require surgery. She is waiting to be scheduled for an appointment by a surgeon. In addition, during this outside screening, it was discovered that she has a swollen liver and will also need to be evaluated by a specialist. As of yet, no appointment has been scheduled.

For his part, V has exhibited suicidal ideation and has been diagnosed with depression.

He writes: “Hello my name is V—. I’m 15 years old and I’d like to have a computer so that when I leave here I can communicate with my friends and can do my homework in school. And a basketball. Thank you for listening to me and paying attention because it’s my second Christmas in jail. Thank you very much. Att: V—.”

Today’s action item: Please sign this petition to President Obama calling on him to FREE THE BERKS FAMILIES and close this detention center while he still can: https://www.change.org/p/department-of-homeland-security-free-the-madres-berks-and-their-children << Already have almost 10,000 signatures, let’s keep it going!

We’ve added a basketball and a computer for V to the wish list here: https://www.amazon.com/gp/registry/wishlist/3080SKEAVNC2F/

Thank you for all you’re doing to help the Berks kids get free before Christmas!

[berksadvent-blog]

J, age 7, has been detained for 13 months. He and his mom fled El Salvador because they were targeted by gangs.

J is extraordinarily underweight and behaviorally challenged. He currently measures between 1-3% of the normal body weight of a child his age. He presents as extremely avoidant and extremely emaciated. J has been diagnosed with PTSD and his frustration and sense of hopelessness due to his prolonged detention have escalated into suicidal gestures.

Meanwhile, his mom is not receiving adequate medical care for her diabetes and several times has been denied the treatments prescribed by her specialist. Her worsening condition has brought on neuropathic symptoms like distorted/blurred vision and extreme pain in her feet and legs.

J writes: “Dear Santa, first, what I would like to ask from you on this Christmas is my freedom, I’ve already spent two Christmases here. And also I want a remote control car. Thank you very much. J- 7 years old.”

This family should not be detained.

Tomorrow, Monday, December 19, there will be a rally in Harrisburg, PA, calling on Governor Tom Wolf to #ShutDownBerks. Please call Gov. Wolf’s office at 717-787-2500 and tell him families like J and his mom shouldn’t have to spend another Christmas in detention.

If you’d like to get J a remote control car that he can play with once he’s released, our wish list is here: https://www.amazon.com/gp/registry/wishlist/3080SKEAVNC2F/

Thank you for all that you do.

[berksadvent-blog]

Today is D’s third birthday! He has been detained for 13 months and has LEARNED TO WALK AND TALK in detention. D and his mom fled kidnapping threats and gender-based violence in Honduras. His mom has been diagnosed with PTSD.  

D’s letter says: “Dear Santa: First of all I would like you to help me to get my freedom. I have been in prison for 416 days. For Christmas I want: a remote control car and a toy cell phone. Thank you very much. Att: D-.”

D once went up to ICE Field Office Director Thomas Decker and asked (in Spanish): “When am I getting out of here?” Decker didn’t understand what he was saying. So today, for D’s birthday, we are asking you to email Officer Decker ([email protected]) on D’s behalf: Ask that the families who’ve been at Berks for more than a year be released. Toddlers shouldn’t be learning to walk and talk while in detention.

If you’d like to get D a birthday present, visit our Amazon wish list at https://www.amazon.com/gp/registry/wishlist/3080SKEAVNC2F/.

Finally, don’t forget to sign up for our Thunderclap TOMORROW, SATURDAY DECEMBER 17, to send a message loud and clear that the Berks Kids must be freed before Christmas: https://www.thunderclap.it/projects/51101-not1morexmas

Thank you for all you’re doing to free the #NiñosBerks before Christmas!!

[berksadvent-blog]

Today’s family: S, age 6, and his mom K. They fled El Salvador after being threatened because K witnessed a gang crime. They have been detained for 15 months. S has been diagnosed with PTSD and is at risk of harming himself. In detention, he went more than six months without receiving dental treatment for 12 of his teeth.

S writes: “Dear Santa, I like computers, PlayStation, going to the beach, and video games, but here I can’t do those things. That’s why I want my freedom. -S—, 6.” He also added some of the foods he misses: “pupusas carne asada.”

And K writes: “The only thing I yearn for is that my son can enjoy this Christmas and to see him really happy, enjoying his freedom, and to celebrate another year watching him smile and know that in the end, everything will be all right.”

HOW YOU CAN HELP: Call the Berks County Commissioners and demand they drop their appeal to keep Berks open. Remind them that the facility is operating without a license - it should be shut down immediately and the families released.

Commissioner Kevin S. Barnhardt: [phone]

Commissioner Mark C. Scott: [phone]

Commissioner Christian Y. Leinbach: [phone]

If you have Twitter, feel free to tweet at them: “Why are @KevinBarnhardt @CYLeinbach fighting to keep kids locked up? Drop the appeal & let them be with family! #ShutDownBerks #Not1MoreXmas”

Finally, don’t forget our Thunderclap! 3 days to go! Sign up here: https://www.thunderclap.it/projects/51101-not1morexmas

Thanks for all that you’re doing to help the #BerksKids get free before Christmas!

[berksadvent-blog]

UPDATE (12/15): GREAT NEWS TODAY! THEY WILL BE HOME FOR CHRISTMAS!!! 

Thanks to all your advocacy these kids and their mom will get to spend Xmas with their dad in the US! 16 more families to go, please check out the other posts to see how you can help!!

* * *

These three siblings, Y (age 9), C (age 8), and R (age 2), fled Guatemala with their mom after receiving death threats, which included crude drawings on their walls of children with knives in their stomachs. 

The family has been in detention for more than a year. The eldest daughter, Y, has anxiety exacerbated by detention, symptoms of which include feeling responsible for the family and waking up in the middle of the night afraid that she will get in trouble at Berks. For months now, she has had nosebleeds up to three times a day, but has not received treatment. 

Also for months, C has had frequent throat infections, but only last week did the doctor order a tonsillectomy. R has to use a breathing machine twice a day, although the medical staff have not yet diagnosed whether he has asthma, allergies, or a more serious issue.

For Christmas, Y writes (in English!): “I want free and stay with my father. I not want anything else. Y— (I want an iPad and doll sing Frozen.)”

C writes: “Dear Santa, 1. Leave here, Berks Center; 2. Be with my dad; 3. A singing Sofia doll; 4. Play dough / iPad / skateboard; 5. Live safely in this country; 6. Telephone / car / computer.  My name is C—, 8 years old. In this center for a year.”

R writes (actually Y wrote it for him because he’s 2): “Dear Santa Claus, I want a gift and this gift should be my freedom and more things. R—, 2”

For today’s action, please write to ICE Officer Jennifer Ritchey ([email protected]), asking her to authorize the necessary medical treatment for this family OR, ALTERNATIVELY, TO RELEASE THEM SO THEY CAN RECEIVE IT OUTSIDE THE FACILITY. (They can be identified as the long-term Guatemalan family with three children at Berks.)

If you’d like to get any of the other gifts the kids asked for, see our Amazon wish list here: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/registry/ref=cm_wl_edit_bck?ie=UTF8&id=3080SKEAVNC2F&type=wishlist

Thank you for helping to heal and to free these kids! #Not1MoreXmas

[berksadvent-blog]

C, age 14, and her mom fled gender-based violence from a gang in Honduras. They have been detained for 13 months and have already spent one Christmas in detention. C writes:

“Dear Santa Claus, I am a girl with my whole life ahead of me and I want freedom like any other girl. And the only thing I ask on this day is an opportunity to be with the person who is waiting for me outside [my little sister]. This person has a little heart, very little. ❤️ 😢  Att: C—”

Today, on #HumanRightsDay, take action to help C be with her little sister this Christmas. Sign this petition to the Secretary of Homeland Security: https://action.aclu.org/secure/families-in-detention

UPDATE: We contacted C's little 9yr old sister, A, and asked what she would like this Christmas. Her response: "my mother....and a bike!" Help us make their wishes come true! Sign the petition and check out this wish list, with bikes for both C & A, so they can go on a bike ride together when C is free. https://www.amazon.com/registry/wishlist/23OF9CNWT6AXG/ref=cm_sw_r_em_ip_wl_o_RxftybZS0VQ32

[berksadvent-blog]

B is a 6-year-old girl who has been detained for more than 15 months. During much of that time, she has been very sick from illnesses including recurring untreated shigellosis. B and her mom fled Honduras because of gender-based violence.

B’s letter says: “Dear Santa, for this Christmas I want: Frozen headphones, shoes, an iPad, sweets, a skateboard, and to leave here with my mom. I am 6 years old. B—“

Take Action: Please call Jeh Johnson, Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, at 202-282-8000. Remind him what he wrote in November 2014: that ICE “should not expend detention resources on aliens who are known to be suffering from serious physical or mental illness.”

And if you’d like to get B any of the other items on her list, see our Amazon wish list here. Thank you for helping free B and the other  Niños Berks!

[berksadvent-blog]

J is seven years old. He and his mother fled El Salvador because a gang was threatening his mother and had threatened to kidnap J. Since they came to the United States seeking refuge, J and his mom have been in immigration detention for 15 months.

His letter says: “Dear Santa, I am J-, 7 years old. I want freedom to be able to be with my aunt and uncle. I don’t want to return to my country. And I also want a remote control airplane.”

J has already spent one Christmas in detention. To help J and his mom get free soon so they can spend this Christmas with their family in the United States, here’s what you can do today:

Call Ted Dallas, head of the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, at 717-787-2600. You can say something like: “I am calling to tell Secretary Dallas that it is time for him to issue an Emergency Removal Order to release all the families currently being held at the Berks Detention Center. These families are being held in inhumane conditions, and there is no reason for them to be held while the County appeals the February 2016 license revocation."

(If you want to get J the other item on his list, here’s a wish list with a remote control airplane on Amazon.com. You can send it to him c/o Cambria & Kline, 532 Walnut St., Reading, PA 19601.) << UPDATE: Plane has already been purchased - thank you so much! Please still call Sec. Dallas!

Thank you for helping to free J and the other Berks kids!

[berksadvent-blog]

Welcome!

19 (EDIT: 16 REMAINING SINCE WE STARTED THIS CAMPAIGN!) of the kids in the Berks family detention center have been detained with their moms for more than a year now. Despite that they are actively seeking asylum and have stays of deportation, they are still being held. This would be their second Christmas in detention, and they can’t bear to think of it.

These families need safety from violence, release from detention, and fair hearings in court — not to be treated like criminals and deported back to the deadly gang violence they are trying to escape.

This Christmas countdown/advent calendar will feature one of the kids each day, along with actions you can take to help get them released while their asylum cases are pending.

Thank you for helping free the Berks kids!