Introduction to Emma De Paz’s Story
Emma De Paz, a 58-year-old street vendor and grandmother, was freed from ICE detention after four months. Her release was met with tears, hugs, and celebration from her family and friends.
The Detention and Arrest
De Paz was arrested on June 19 during a raid at a Home Depot in Hollywood, where she was selling breakfast to day laborers. She was taken to the Adelanto Detention Center, where she spent four months in detention. De Paz, who is undocumented, had been living in the United States for 25 years and had been advocating for street vendors’ rights in the Melrose/Vermont area.
Conditions in Detention
During her time in detention, De Paz reported being fed expired beans and ham, and being denied access to her medication. She also witnessed other detainees becoming sick and depressed due to the harsh conditions. Despite the challenges, De Paz remained determined to fight for her rights and the rights of other immigrants.
The Road to Release
De Paz’s release was the result of months of advocacy by her family, friends, and the Community Power Collective, a nonprofit organization that supports street vendors. The organization launched a GoFund!Me campaign to raise money for De Paz’s bond and hired an attorney to represent her. On October 16, De Paz received a bond hearing, and her lawyer, Karla Navarrete, was able to secure her release with a bond.
Homecoming Celebration
De Paz’s homecoming was celebrated with food, music, and prayer. Her family and friends gathered to welcome her back, and a mariachi singer serenaded her as she arrived home. De Paz was met with signs that read "bienvenida mamita Emma" and was showered with gifts and hugs.
The Impact of Detention
De Paz’s experience in detention had a significant impact on her health and well-being. She reported developing a tremor in her hands and struggling to hold a mug due to the trauma she endured. Her brother, Carlos Barrera De Paz, asked the crowd to join him in prayer for the immigrants who remained detained, who did not have access to lawyers and a support network.
Next Steps
De Paz’s release is a victory for her and her family, but it also highlights the ongoing struggles faced by immigrants in the United States. The Community Power Collective is working to get another vendor released who was picked up about a month and a half ago. De Paz’s story serves as a reminder of the importance of advocating for the rights of immigrants and the need for support and resources to help them navigate the complex immigration system.
Conclusion
Emma De Paz’s story is a testament to the resilience and determination of immigrants who come to the United States seeking a better life. Her release from ICE detention is a victory for her and her family, but it also highlights the ongoing struggles faced by immigrants in the United States. As De Paz navigates the trauma she endured during her detention, her story serves as a reminder of the importance of advocating for the rights of immigrants and the need for support and resources to help them navigate the complex immigration system.
FAQs
- Who is Emma De Paz?
Emma De Paz is a 58-year-old street vendor and grandmother who was detained by ICE for four months. - Why was De Paz detained?
De Paz was detained during a raid at a Home Depot in Hollywood, where she was selling breakfast to day laborers. - What were the conditions like in detention?
De Paz reported being fed expired beans and ham, and being denied access to her medication. She also witnessed other detainees becoming sick and depressed due to the harsh conditions. - How was De Paz released?
De Paz’s release was the result of months of advocacy by her family, friends, and the Community Power Collective, a nonprofit organization that supports street vendors. - What is next for De Paz?
De Paz will need to navigate the trauma she endured during her detention and will require ongoing support and resources to help her recover.
