Victory! Sara Beltran Hernandez Released

Dear friends, Moments ago, Sara Beltran Hernandez was released. Sara is a 26-year-old mother of two who fled to the U.S. to escape gang and domestic violence. But despite having a claim to asylum, she was locked up for 15 months. ICE officials refused to release Sara on parole even after she collapsed in her cell as a result of a brain tumor. But Amnesty members like you spoke up. And when you raised your voice, you shut down three ICE phone lines. It is victorious moments like this that sustain us. But our fight has only begun. Imagine escaping unspeakable violence in your hometown—only to be automatically treated like a criminal in the place you sought refuge.  Imagine being taken to and from a medical appointment in shackles and handcuffs—even while suffering from a tumor that has bled into your brain. This happened to Sara, but her case will not be unique. In the face of President Trump’s aggressive immigration orders, we must fight to ensure that people with asylum claims are given a fair hearing and humane treatment. Detention should be used as a last resort. Take action now to tell the Trump Administration that people like Sara, who are risking everything to escape horrific violence, should not be treated like criminals while their cases are processed. We will do everything we can to ensure protection for people who are fleeing violence. But we will need your help. Thank you for taking action today.  Margaret Huang Executive Director, Amnesty International USA

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