The Unitarian Universalist Service Committee advances human rights through grassroots collaborations.
Diapers in Detention Week of Action
August 15, 2016
Along with our partners at Interfaith Immigration Coalition, UUSC is organizing a #DiapersInDetention week of action from August 29th – September 1st to put national attention on ICE. Here’s how you can help:
SIGN AND SEND A LETTER TO YOUR LOCAL ICE OFFICE VIA OUR ONLINE ACTION
Families fleeing violence have a legal right to seek asylum and their detention violates international human rights law. Now, instead of growing up with blankets and binkies, their children are behind bars and locked doors. Tell Your Local ICE Field Office: Jailing babies is the last straw. End family detention. Keep families together and free while they pursue asylum.
SUPPORT THE MOTHERS ON HUNGER STRIKE IN BERKS FAMILY DETENTION CENTER IN LEESPORT, PA
Twenty-two mothers who have been in detention with their children for up to a year have launched a hunger strike in protest of their protracted imprisonment. This follows a misleading statement by Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson that, on average, families are released within 20 days. Call Thomas Decker of the Philadelphia Regional ICE office to demand their immediate release: 215-656-7164.
SEND A BABY SHOWER CARD TO ICE
If you are not near one of the ICE offices or a family detention facility, pick up a baby shower card at the drugstore, write a message that says “Baby jails are the last straw. It’s time to end family detention and keep families together. No more diapers in detention!” and send it to:
The Honorable Jeh Johnson
Secretary of Homeland Security
Washington, D.C. 20528
Before you drop it in the mailbox, take a picture of it and tag it on social media with #DiapersInDetention, @UUSC, and @ICEGOV.
HOST A “BABY SHOWER” FOR ICE
If you live in one of the 24 cities with an ICE Enforcement and Removal Office, help organize a “baby shower” for ICE to call attention to the increase of babies and toddlers being held in detention. You can find a map of the offices here.
Events can be held Monday, August 29 – Thursday, September 1. A guide for organizing events is available, and national organizers will assist you with planning and media coverage. If you are interested in hosting an event, please do your best to register by August 12.
SEND A LETTER TO THE EDITOR TO YOUR LOCAL PAPER
Our partners at the Friends Committee on National Legislation have created an easy tool to help you write to your local newspaper.