Uncategorized

Immigration Reform Activists, the “Dream 9,” Released from Federal Custody

334464741_e949666ac2_z
Photo by lcars via flickr

“Dream 9” activists were released from Arizona’s Eloy Detention Center Wednesday.

The “Dream 9” are an immigration reform group of activists who were brought to the United States as young children and therefore do not currently have legal status. In order to challenge current immigration policies the Dream 9 entered Mexico to see distant family and friends, then publically announced that they would attempt to re-enter the United States. After holding a protest at the Nogales point of entry in Arizona and trying to enter the United States, they were arrested and held in federal custody, sometimes in solitary confinement for two weeks. The group was released from the detention facility late Wednesday.

They can now return to their American homes while they wait to hear from an immigration judge who will decide if they will be granted political asylum.

Liz Mateo, a member of the Dream 9, stated “I want the government to recognize that there is a group of people, Dreamers, who grew up in this country and belong here because these are their homes. They shouldn’t have to go through what we went through. They should come home.”

Media Resources: Global Post, 8/8/2013; The Guardian, 8/7/2013; LA Times, 8/7/2013

Support eh ERA banner