Somos Un Pueblo Unido Protecting Immigrants' Rights in New Mexico

Somos Un Pueblo Unido 1205 Parkway Dr, Suite B Sante Fe, NM   87507   telephone: 505-424-7832 fax: 505-438-8518 email: somos@rt66.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 22, 2008

Contact: Marcela Díaz, Somos Un Pueblo Unido

 
Santa Fe, NM (April 22, 2008) — Leaders from community, faith and labor organizations participated in a press conference on Tuesday, April 22, 2008 at East Santa Fe River Park to announce a series of actions this week meant to denounce DC based Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials presence at a conference in Santa Fe and to denounce immigration enforcement tactics.

"What the federal government is doing to innocent families, the persecution of workers who are integral members of our communities, is shameful. ICE's policies do not represent our values, community values or American Values," says María Cristina López, Somos un Pueblo Unido Founder Board member and Chairperson for Santa Fe Immigration Committee.

According to Elizabeth Bunker, a children's mental health therapist and a counselor at a south-side local elementary school, numerous children from mixed-status families -documented and undocumented -have gone to her office seeking help, expressing fear returning to an empty home.

"They are scared! When there are rumors that 'la migra' is in town, many students can't focus on their schoolwork. There are no words that can allay their fears of being alone and having their lives disrupted," says Bunker.

Westminster Presbyterian Church Pastor Chester Topple says it is unconscionable what this country is doing to immigrant families and workers.

Westminster Presbyterian Church Pastor Chester Topple says it is unconscionable what this country is doing to immigrant families and workers. "Banishing working families from our communities is inhumane. Their human rights are being violated," points out Topple.

Organizers stated that there will be small demonstrations through out the week in heavy traffic areas and a vigil on Thursday to decry immigration enforcement activities in our communities.