Isabel is in detention with her husband and two daughters. One of them is 8 years old and one is 2 years old. Isabel is 6 months pregnant.
Yes, that’s right. We’re locking up a two year old baby for the crime of seeking safety.
These stories we are telling you are from the Karnes Detention Center in Texas. It is managed by the private prison company, @TheGEOGroup.
Isabel’s story is one of many we’ve heard. We learned today of the first confirmed case of the virus in a NJ detention center.
Some 38,000 people are imprisoned in immigrant detention right now, including thousands of mothers, fathers, and children.
All of them are at risk.
In her own words: “I am suffering from back pain and pain in my pelvic region. I have vertigo. Every time I eat, I get diarrhea. I have hardly eaten since I’ve been in detention. I have been in medical several times, but I was given just a vitamin and told to eat..."
“One of the docs told me he cannot do anything to help me because I had nothing, that if I am crazy and have mental issues, he would keep me in isolation, that he would he give me medicine and I would not be able to see my children again."
“He [the guard] said he would keep me where the crazy people are, and if I keep complaining, I will be deported to Haiti sooner.”
“I am very concerned about my baby’s health. I do not think I am able to nourish my baby properly. I do not think I will have the strength to give birth because I am not eating well here.”
All of us can only imagine the fear and anxiety we’d have if we were imprisoned with our child if the virus came in.
We are counting on you to help Isabel and her baby get out.
Please join us & demand your elected Rep #FreeThemAll.
#SafeAndTogether
Share this Scrolly Tale with your friends.
A Scrolly Tale is a new way to read Twitter threads with a more visually immersive experience.
Discover more beautiful Scrolly Tales like this.