What: Press Conference Supporting Federal Legislation to Address Hunger Striker Demands
Where: Mickey Leland Federal Building, 1919 Smith Street, Houston, TX, 77002
When: 4:00pm, Tuesday, May 13, 2014
Who: Ernestina Hernandez, Melanny Martinez,
Manuel Martinez’ family continues their fight to bring him back after he was forcefully deported for participating in a hunger strike at Joe Corley Detention Facility. Since his deportation, Manuel’s wife and daughter have testified in Congressional briefings and participated in White House protests in Washington DC. They are holding ICE accountable for the abuse against Manuel and his fellow detained immigrants during the hunger strike, including verbal and physical violence, prolonged solitary confinement, and forced deportations.
Martinez’s family is now leading a local campaign to stop deportations and reunite families by coordinating with national partners, such as the National Day Laborer Organizing Network (NDLON).
Ernestina Hernandez and Melanny Martinez will be supporting the Accountability in Immigration Detention Act, federal legislation introduced by Congressman Adam Smith. The bill directly addresses the appalling conditions in immigration detention facilities across the country, seeks stronger regulation of detention centers, and offers alternatives to detention, such as community-based supervision.
Today Ernestina, Melanny, and supporters are holding a press conference at the Mickey Leland Federal Building to share their reaction about the the federal legislation and urge families to join her in the larger struggle to stop deportations and bring families back together. In the words of Ernestina today, “nothing is finished, the hunger strike was not the end, we are just beginning our fight.”
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