FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 1, 2009

SEATTLE - On March 26, the remaining 13 people detained in the Bellingham ICE raids were released from the Northwest Detention Center in Tacoma without having to pay bond. The detainees have been reunited with their families, but it is not clear how long they will be able to stay in the country or what is expected in return for their freedom. Family members report receiving phone calls and visits from ICE officers to their homes. Many of the detainees have yet to secure legal representation.

This type of detainee release is highly unusual. OneAmerica Executive Director Pramila Jayapal said, "We are pleased that the detainees were released but want to ensure that there are adequate
attorneys advising and representing the detainees in future conversations with ICE."

In response to the raids and in an effort to continue to advocate for sane immigration policies, on Friday, March 27, OneAmerica arranged a meeting with U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen and at least 10 of the individuals who were detained during the raid. The Church Council of Greater Seattle and Community to Community Development were also present. Detainees spoke of the pain and suffering they endured since their arrest. Many lost their apartments and homes and do not have enough money to feed their children. Many have mixed status families, with children or parents who are legal permanent residents or U.S. citizens and do not know what their future holds.

Rep. Larsen spent over 45 minutes with the families and  re-committed to comprehensive immigration reform, drawing attention to the letter he sent to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano, thanking her for her call to conduct a thorough review of the raid, reiterating that this kind of enforcement was not the kind of enforcement we needed, recognizing that these workers should not be punished for working, and stressing the need for comprehensive immigration reform. 

AUDIO/VIDEO -
ONEAMERICA INTERVIEWS ICE DETAINEES, YAMATO OWNER

Feb. 27 Interview with 'Elena' and 'Yolanda' who spoke of the effect of the raids on themselves and their families.

AUDIO - LISTEN



Feb. 27 interview with Shirin Dhanani Makalai, owner of Yamato Engine Specialists

VIDEO - WATCH


BACKGROUND LINKS

Seattle Times - Illegal immigrants go free; some offered work permits

Bellingham Herald - Yamato workers freed as immigration probe continues into Bellingham company

Bellingham Raid Background & News Coverage


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OneAmerica is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing democracy and justice through building power in immigrant communities. www.weareoneamerica.org
 
FOR INTERVIEWS CONTACT:
Naomi Ishisaka, Communications Director, OneAmerica 206-853-3339 naomi@weareoneamerica.org