Dear Friends,
We are deeply sorry to report to all of you that Kenneth was removed late Sunday night from Stewart Detention Center in Georgia and was deported yesterday morning to Guatemala.
His mother Orquidia, partner Yeslin, and preschool sons Alessandro and Dylan are heartbroken - but are likewise grateful to the nearly 700 of you from 36 states and the District of Columbia who have signed the support letter for Kenneth, contacted legislators, and faithfully made calls to ICE on behalf of their family. One of Kenneth’s lawyers shared last week that “I have never had a client with as strong a support system as Kenneth has.”
Please keep the entire family in your thoughts and prayers as Kenneth’s journey ahead begins to unfold, and as they deal with this terrible outcome to Kenneth’s valiant efforts to seek safety from violence for his family. Pray for Kenneth’s protection against dangers as he returns, and pray also with the family for more hopeful results in the pending asylum cases of Yeslin, Alessandro, and Orquidia.
For times like these, many faith traditions offer comfort through sacred texts. Among them, the Hebrew scriptures remind that “The Lord goes before you, will be with you, and will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” (Deuteronomy 31:8)
May Kenneth never feel alone, and always be guided by Hope that “goes before” him. And may you each know the positive difference that your time and compassion offer. For as Orquidia spoke earlier this morning, “I always feel hope when I see people of faith who love my family.”
Sincerely,
Rev. Dr. Sharon Stanley-Rea, Director,
Disciples Refugee & Immigration Ministries
