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El Refugio

@elrefugiostewart

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Support for people at Stewart Detention Center and their loved ones through hospitality, visitation, support, and advocacy

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Today as advocates, impacted families, and members of Congress launched the #EndTheICEAge campaign on Capitol Hill, Solimar Maria Arenas de Hernandez shared the story of her brother, Jesús Manuel Arenas-Silva, who died in ICE custody after being transferred between detention facilities in Georgia.

Just days after ICE agents arrested him at his family’s home, Jesús Manuel was found unresponsive while being transported from the Irwin Detention Center to the Folkston ICE Processing Center. His sister desperately pleaded for them to allow Jesús Manuel to take the medications he depended on, and repeatedly informed them about his serious medical conditions.

His death is the 22nd reported death in ICE custody this year.

No family should have to demand answers after a preventable tragedy.

As the #EndTheICEAge campaign begins, we join our immigrant neighbors and partners in calling for accountability, dignity, and a future beyond a system that continues to inflict harm on immigrant communities.

If you’re in a position to help, please consider donating to the family’s official GoFundMe to help them reach their goal.

#abolishice taken in Washington, DC by @elrefugiostewart

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3 months ago

Mr. Ramirez Vargas has been detained at Stewart Detention Center since July 2025.

He is an amputee, uses a wheelchair, and lives with serious medical conditions. Despite his disability and ongoing medical needs, ICE continues to keep him detained while his health declines.

Mr. Ramirez Vargas has family, community, and a support system in the United States. He deserves dignity, proper medical care, and the opportunity to be with his loved ones.

☎️ TAKE ACTION
Call Senator Warnock's office at (770) 694-7828 and urge them to advocate for the immediate release of Mr. Ramirez Vargas.
Tell his office:
"Mr. Ramirez Vargas is a disabled man with serious medical conditions who has been detained at Stewart since July 2025. We urge Senator Warnock's office to take action and advocate for his immediate release."

Share this post and help ensure Mr. Ramirez Vargas is not forgotten.

This is the first post in a series highlighting Mr. Ramirez Vargas's story and the urgent need for his release. by @elrefugiostewart

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4 months ago

As the hunger strike at Folkston ICE Processing Center grows in numbers, so does the outrage over the inhumane conditions at detention centers across the nation. by @elrefugiostewart

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2 days ago

Standing with @shutdownfipc today! Make sure you take action! Follow them for updates and click the QR for follow up steps! by @elrefugiostewart

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3 days ago

El Refugio received multiple calls from people detained at Stewart Detention Center reporting raw sewage flooding their cells and exposing them to unsanitary conditions. While water service has reportedly been restored, serious concerns remain about sewage exposure and sanitation. With severe weather approaching, the urgency is even greater.

Restoring water does not erase the harm. No one should be detained at Stewart.We urge Senators @senatorwarnock and Jon Ossoff to intervene, demand immediate action, and ensure the safety of everyone detained at Stewart. Read our full press release on our website and follow for updates! by @elrefugiostewart

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8 days ago

@shutdownfipc shared this powerful video of what is really going on in detention in GA. Dont just watch! reshare, write @jonossoff and @raphaelwarnock! by @elrefugiostewart

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11 days ago

Today we held our Quarterly Membership Meeting! 🤝✨

It was a great opportunity to come together, strengthen connections, share updates, and continue building collective power across our communities. We’re grateful to everyone who joined us and contributed to the conversation.

We were proud to have representatives from:

@laccgeorgia
@gracias_atl
@grow_initiativega
@elrefugiostewart
@iamgaleo
@feministcenter
@casaalterna
@vecinosbufordhighway
@mese_ga

Thank you to our members for showing up, sharing your perspectives, and continuing this important work with us. Together, we’re building a stronger, more connected movement.

Gracias a nuestras organizaciones miembros por acompañarnos, compartir sus perspectivas y continuar este trabajo tan importante con nosotros.

#LCFGeorgia taken in Atlanta, Georgia by @elrefugiostewart

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11 days ago

How to find someone in custody! Great video by @hellopedrochavez by @elrefugiostewart

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13 days ago

ICE knew Jesus Manuel needed medication. He never received it. Days later, he died in ICE custody.

ICE has shifted from public spectacle to quieter, harder-to-see enforcement. But across the country, the result is still gruesome: people are being taken, harmed and killed.

Changing tactics will not make ICE less violent.

READ FULL ARTICLE FROM @guardian_us link in BIO! by @elrefugiostewart

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17 days ago

Last week, @elrefugiostewart together with our colleagues from @detentionwatch and members across the country, we visited our representatives and senators. We shared our collective stories fighting against ICE detention, stories of those who are trapped in detention and suffer unnecessary abuse and neglect and ultimately died in ICE custody. #CommunitiesNotCages National Day of Advocacy to meet with more than 70 members of Congress and demand they:

➡️Stop detention expansion
➡️Shut down detention centers
➡️Clawback back ICE funding and redirect to community needs
➡️Sign onto Melt ICE and Dignity for Detained Immigrants Act

We demand members of Congress act now! No more abuse and death at the hands of ICE and no more ICE funding.

#CommunitiesNotCages national day of advocacy.
#communtiesnotcages #endtheiceage #dignitynotdetention meltICE by @elrefugiostewart

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21 days ago

Family and friends of Samson Birhane, joined by community members, advocates, and partner organizations, gathered Wednesday in Decatur to demand urgent action for long-time Atlanta resident Samson Birhane, who was deported by the United States to Equatorial Guinea, where he is now imprisoned and has reportedly been beaten and tortured.

Asian Americans Advancing Justice-Atlanta stands in solidarity with Samson, his family and our partners, Black Alliance for Just Immigration @instabaji , Eritrean Community Association of Georgia @atleritrea , Progress Georgia @progressgeorgia , and 50501 Georgia @50501_ga , in calling for his immediate release and safe return to the United States.

Advancing Justice-Atlanta is also calling on the U.S. government to immediately stop deporting people to third countries where they have no ties and no connections. The U.S. government must stop this practice, protect people from being sent into danger, and ensure that those already deported, including Samson, are brought home safely.

Read our full statement at: www.advancingjustice-atlanta.org/news/release-samson by @elrefugiostewart

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22 days ago

Traveled to DC last week with PURPOSE!
Thank you @detentionwatch and @elrefugiostewart

Call your Members of Congress and tell them they must act in the interests of saving people lives NOW!!

Tell them to Sponsor these BILLS!

1. The Dignity for Detained Immigrants Act
H.R. 6397 and S.3704 Introduced by @repjayapal The bill will dramatically decrease the detention of vulnerable populations such as children, LGBTQ people, pregnant individuals, survivors of violence, primary caregivers, and those with illnesses or disabilities, and it establishes community-based case management resources based on real individual needs.

2. Melt ICE Act H.R. 7190: Introduced by @repdeliaramirez To end detention and electronic monitoring, and redirect funding to community-based wrap around services.

#cbc #sistersister #motivation #dc #family taken in Washington D. C. by @elrefugiostewart

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