On July 20, more than 30 people showed up at the US Citizenship and Immigration Services building in Tukwila, Wa. to support Cynthia Vanessa Iraheta Lopez. Lopez, born in Honduras, is the mother of two children, a 3-year old and a 9-year old, and she faces deportation which would separate her from her family. As her supporters point out, she’s a part of the Seattle area communit–but to the racist, xenophobic Trump administration and the U.S. government, she’s “illegal” and must be deported.
“For years Cynthia has reported to DHS/ICE as instructed including on May 11, 2017, where she was told to report to BI Incorporated, a private contractor for DHS, for possible removal to Honduras. Due to community support and pressure, her removal was delayed while ICE reviewed the stay of deportation presented by her lawyer.” (NWDC Resistance)
At the May 11 hearing, she was even forced to wear an ankle bracelet which could be seen on her when she arrived at the July 20 hearing.
At the USCIS office on International Blvd, supporters gathered outside holding signs as media including Univision waited for Cynthia Lopez to arrive. She walked down the line of people holding signs, firmly shaking hands with each supporter and giving a heartfelt “Thank you for your support.”
As Lopez and her attorney went inside the building, supporters remained outside with their signs. Two Department of Homeland Security cops approached and began to harass the demonstrators who were standing on the plaza in front of the building, claiming they needed a permit to be there. After getting some pushback from the protesters, they walked off and were nowhere to be seen when Lopez and her lawyer returned.
Lopez explained that her case had been continued until August 24. Organizer Maru Mora asked people to be ready to come out again in support, and to sign the petition in support of Cynthia Lopez and against family separation.
What you can do to help:
Sign this petition to support Cynthia Lopez. Community support is very important.
Donate here to help with legal costs.
Watch these videos to learn more about this and other immigration cases.
For updates, follow NWDC Resistance on Facebook.
