PRESS STATEMENT FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 3, 2019
Contact:
Ramla Sahid 619.363.6945 Ramla@panasd.org
Melissa Flores Melissa@alotrolado.org
SAN DIEGO – We are deeply troubled that on the very first day of ICE's fiscal year, Nebane Abienwi’s death began the death count of immigrants being held in ICE custody. It is horrifying that ICE has yet another death on their hands just one year after former Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary, Kirstjen Nielson, stated “one death is too many” during her testimony before the House Judiciary Committee. For years, DHS has received countless complaints of the deplorable conditions within detention facilities. Tragically, these conditions continue to worsen and the number of people held in detention exceeds 50,000 and continues to grow.
The death of Nebane Abienwi, a 37-year-old Cameroonian asylum seeker, reinforces what we have been saying for several years: Detention is not only unnecessary and cruel - it is deadly. Let us not forget that Abienwi was in detention because he was pursuing his legal right to asylum. We have seen firsthand the dehumanizing conditions at the Otay Mesa Detention Center. No one should lose their life pursuing their right to a life of safety and dignity. Our hearts and deep sympathies go out to the family and loved ones of Nebane Abienwi.
We believe that Abienwi’s death would have been avoided if he was not in custody. Detention is inhumane, unsafe, unhealthy, and criminal.
We call upon Congress to defund the detention of those seeking freedom and safety at our borders.
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Partnership for the Advancement of New Americans PANA is a research, community organizing, and public policy hub dedicated to advancing the full economic, social, and civic inclusion of refugees and Muslims in the region.
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Al Otro Lado (AOL) is a bi-national non-profit providing legal services to deportees, refugees, and families separated by unjust immigration laws. They employ impact litigation and policy advocacy to promote systemic changes that protect immigrants’ rights.