Announcement from the Communications Office
Help Eduardo Samaniego,
former Lawrence House intern in ICE detention
January 1, 2019
Holy Name

Eduardo Samaniego, former Lawrence House intern who served Grace Episcopal Church, Amherst and St. John's, Northampton, was detained by ICE in Georgia while visiting family. Bishop Fisher, the Rev. Tom Synan and the Rev. Tanya Wallace are among the hundreds who have written letters on Eduardo's behalf since his arrest.

Last week his bond hearing for release was denied and his situation has reached a new level of urgency.  His next hearing is scheduled for this Thursday, January 3, 2019 , which will be the start of the process to forcefully remove him and deport him. The article below will give you some important background.
Activists: Immigrant advocate being maltreated

NORTHAMPTON - The Pioneer Valley Workers Center is calling on the public to make phone calls, participate in rallies and sign a petition to aid Eduardo Samaniego, the prominent local activist and undocumented immigrant who is being held by...

Read more
www.gazettenet.com
How we can help:

  • There will be simultaneous rallies Thursday at 8am during his hearing in Atlanta (Immigration Court, 180 Ted Turner Dr SW) and Springfield, Massachusetts (ICE Office, 1550 Main St). Bishop Fisher will be present at the rally in Springfield.

  • Make calls in support of Eduardo. If this is something you would like to do and can do, listed below are ways you can help as provided by the Pioneer Valley Workers Center: Calls need to be made NOW. The people to call: ICE Field Director Sean Gallaghar: (404) 893-1206 & Asst. Director Kristen Sullivan: 404-893-1203

  1. Tell them his A number (206-862-839) and full name (Eduardo Samaniego Amaya) and then:
  2. Eduardo is not a flight risk he has deep ties to the community in both MA and GA
  3. Eduardo is a faith leader and student leader and is not a risk to public safety
  4. Eduardo’s health is seriously deteriorating because of detention. He should be immediately released

  • SIGN the petition! The petition is at 4,127, they would like to get it to 5,000 by Thursday: Bit.ly/FreeEduardoNow


  • Pray: Pray for Eduardo, for all those who have been detained, and for those who live in fear. Pray for those who are giving shelter and comfort to refugees released without aid. Pray for our Congress to act to end family separation and the use of military force at our borders.
  1. For Social Justice
Grant, O God, that your holy and life-giving Spirit may so
move every human heart [and especially the hearts of the people of this land], that barriers which divide us may
crumble, suspicions disappear, and hatreds cease; that our divisions being healed, we may live in justice and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. BCP, 823.

The Episcopal Diocese of Western Massachusetts | 413-737-4786 | diocesewma.org