IRATE & First Friends
The Human Stories Behind the Immigration Detention Contract
Via IRATE & First Friends Since Essex County signed its contract with ICE to expand immigration detention to 1250 people this past fall, Essex County has been in the news. Not just for the shady back doors deals and political contributions from the private for-profit company that received the immigration detention subcontract but also for the suffering that this contract is causing to local residents and their families.
In October, there was the story of Neida Lavayen whose fiance was taken into custody one week before their wedding and held at Delaney Hall until he was deported to Ecuador. Continue reading
FAITH LEADERS & ACTIVISTS WALKING 12 MILES TO PROTEST PRISONPROFITEERING THAT IS DRIVING IMMIGRATION DETENTION EXPANSION IN NJ
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACTS: Kathy O’Leary, Pax Christi NJ, 973-610-1684, kolearypcnj@gmail.com Sally Pillay, IRATE & First Friends, 201-394-9093, firstfirends2@juno.com Br.John Skrodinsky(English & Spanish), 973-896-0444, joskrost@hotmail.com
FAITH LEADERS & ACTIVISTS WALKING 12 MILES TO PROTEST PRISONPROFITEERING THAT IS DRIVING IMMIGRATION DETENTION EXPANSION IN NJ
Pilgrims To March from Ellis Island in Liberty State Park to the Elizabeth Detention Center for the 3rd Consecutive Year on Ash Wednesday.
Jersey City, NJ– Beginning at 10 am on Wednesday, February 22, members from over two dozen faith based, community and immigrant rights groups, including members from Pax Christi NJ, IRATE & First Friends, American Friends Service Committee Immigrant Rights Program- Newark and NJ Advocates for Immigrant Detainees, will gather in Liberty State Park, just off Freedom Way, in front of the footbridge to Ellis Island for a press conference and prayer service before beginning a 12 mile “pilgrimage” that will end at theElizabethDetentionCenter. Continue reading
For Sandals & Silver – 3rd Annual Pilgrimage from Ellis Island to the EDC
For Sandals & Silver
“Because they hand over the just for silver, and the poor for a pair of sandals; they trample the heads of the destitute into the dust of the earth, and force the lowly out of the way. “ Amos 2: 6-7
Beginning with a prayer service & press conference At 10:00 am at Freedom Way (Liberty State Park), Jersey City, NJ on Wednesday February 22nd
Ending with a prayer service and distribution of ashes at the Gates of the Elizabeth Detention Center 625 Evans St., Elizabeth, NJ
Join us as we walk 12 miles from the footbridge at Ellis Island (a powerful symbol of our nation’s history of welcoming immigrants), to the barbed wire fences at the gates of the Elizabeth Detention Center. Approximately 2000 immigrants are currently being held in NJ in the Elizabeth Detention Center and local county jails. The number of immigrants being held in NJ continues to rise because there is money to be made from incarcerating people. County jails receive reimbursement from the federal government at a higher rate than it costs to house immigrant detainees and private companies like Corrections Corp of America and Community Education Centers profit from their contracts with the counties and with the federal government. Further, banks like Wells Fargo profit from their investments in these private companies.
Sponsored By IRATE & First Friends & Pax Christi NJ
co-sponsored by: AFSC Immigrant Rights Program – Newark, Wind of the Spirit
For more information, to sign up to walk, or to co-sponsor contact Kathy O’Leary 908-273-0751 kolearypcnj@gmail.com
Ash Wednesday Vigil at the Elizabeth Detention Center
Ash Wednesday Vigil at the Elizabeth Detention Center
Wednesday February 22nd from 6pm- 9pm
Corner of Dowd Ave & Evans Street, Elizabeth, NJ
Again this year we will welcome the pilgrims who will be coming from Ellis Island to meet and pray with us as we seek restoration of humanity to our immigration system. These pilgrims will join with us in an ecumenical service at the detention center to pray for the release of our incarcerated neighbors. Ashes will be distributed to those wishing them.
Following the vigil, participants will be welcomed to a Lenten Soup Supper at the St Joseph Social Center, 118 Division Street, Elizabeth. Here you can meet with your concerned neighbors and hear a brief message about justice for immigrants.
Please plan to come with your family, friends and neighbors and bring candles, real or electric. Click here for facebook event
