Community Support for ICE Detainees’ Return

After nine months in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention, Jesus Ramirez Ramos found himself in need. Following his release, he discovered his clothes, kept in storage for nearly a year, were in poor condition. ICE had also misplaced his cellphone, cutting off vital contacts for him. Far from his home in Salina, Kansas, his return seemed daunting. However, Delight Lester was there to assist. This 66-year-old from Michigan, affiliated with an advocacy group, aids ICE detainees with commissary funds, legal aid, and travel arrangements. Lester personally drove Ramos over 900 miles back home, providing new clothes, snacks, and a phone for the journey.

Lester is part of a network across the U.S. dedicated to assisting ICE detainees. Often, immigrants are detained far from their communities, necessitating coordinated volunteer efforts to return them home. For instance, volunteers like Larry Gephart receive notifications for detainee releases and arrange transportation through encrypted messaging apps.

In Michigan, groups like Hope for Neighbors play a crucial role. led by Pastor Dale Dalman, this group has grown from a grassroots movement into a network of over 250 volunteers. They furnish released detainees with essential supplies and help source legal assistance to shield detainees from scams. Pastor Dalman emphasizes the shifting nature of immigration laws, highlighting how changes can unexpectedly impact those seeking asylum.

Across the nation, these networks have emerged in response to the Trump administration’s immigration policies. Increasing federal immigration arrests have prompted citizen action, connecting detainees with family, shelter, and legal support. The push for indefinite detention without bond consideration has drawn criticism and legal challenges. Many detainees are often released far from their home communities, highlighting the need for citizen involvement.

“It’s not so hard to provide a little light in the dark or a little bit of hope,” Lester stated, emphasizing the impact of small acts of kindness.

Activists like Evelyn Vargas from Organized Communities Against Deportations in Chicago stress that these initiatives resonate deeply, tapping into a broader struggle for justice. Groups across the country coordinate to facilitate detainee transportation from facilities in states like Minnesota, Kentucky, and Illinois back to their homes.

Volunteers step in not only with transportation but also with moral and material support. In Minnesota, for instance, Haven Watch and volunteers like Susan Schultz stand ready to aid released detainees with phones and comfort items.

In Illinois, Rebecca De La Luz plays a significant role in this effort. Using her Honda Civic, she has driven over 100 detainees to safety. The emotional toll is high, yet the rewards are profound—often delivering news of release is a moment of sheer joy despite the numerous logistical challenges.

This grassroots effort showcases the powerful impact of community action, exemplified by personal stories of reunions. As we see through actions across the states, from Kentucky to New Jersey, the efforts of ordinary citizens are vital in bridging the gaps left by federal policies, ensuring that ICE detainees find their way back home with dignity and support.