Black Immigrant Organizations on Death of Cameroonian Asylum Seeker at Otay Mesa Detention Facility
PRESS STATEMENT
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 3, 2019
Contact: Ramla Sahid 619.363.6945 Ramla@panasd.org
Ola Osaze 510.499.3262 Ola@transgenderlawcenter.org
Guerline Jozef 917.496.2248 guerline.jozef@gmail.com
Rebecca Alemayehu 805.276.3991 rebeccalalemayehu@gmail.com
SAN DIEGO – We are devastated about the death of Nebane Abienwi, a 37-year-old Cameroonian man who died on October 1st while in U.S ICE custody. Nebane presented himself at the San Ysidro port of entry on September 5th seeking asylum. He was detained in Otay Mesa Detention Center (OMDC) in San Diego before he was rushed to Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center where he died after experiencing a medical emergency in the middle of the night at OMDC.
We are a collective of Black immigrant organizations that condemn detention centers. We demand to know the circumstances under which Nebane lost his life. Black immigrants, in particular, report horrific experiences of anti Blackness, abuse, and harassment while in detention. The detention of Nebane was outrageous and without his detention, his death would have been avoided. The only way future deaths can be prevented is by closing down OMDC in San Diego and every facility that detains immigrants. Detention is inhumane, unsafe, unhealthy, and criminal.
Instead of the protection and refuge Nebane sought, he was detained at OMDC, an immigrant prison that is notorious for human rights violations and abuse. Like him, many Black migrants travel thousands of miles to the U.S. to escape from persecution and seek refuge. Instead of releasing immigrants and adhering to international human rights, ICE is further traumatizing asylum seekers.
We are deeply troubled that on the very first day of ICE's fiscal year, Nebane’s death begins the death count of detained immigrants. It is horrifying that ICE has yet another death on their hands just one year after former Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary, Kirstjen Nielson, stated “one death is too many” during her testimony before the House Judiciary Committee. For years DHS has received countless complaints of the deplorable conditions within detention facilities. Tragically, conditions continue to deteriorate and we continue to live in a reality where, under the Trump administration, over 20 immigrants have died in ICE custody, and the number of people held in detention exceeds 50,000 and continues to grow.
As a collective, we condemn the human rights abuses in Cameroon that made Nebane flee. Currently, there are five armed conflicts in Cameroon affecting 8 of 10 regions in Cameroon. This has led to the United Nations calling Cameroon the worst displacement crisis in the world. This crisis has left Cameroonian immigrants at the US border; many of whom are stuck in Mexico and face violence and further displacement. There will be a vigil in D.C. on Monday, October 7th at ICE headquarters for thoughts and prayers for Nebane and to show solidarity with Cameroonians and allies.
No one should be locked up for seeking safety and wanting a better life. We will no longer tolerate nor sit on the sidelines in the face of cruel and inhumane practices. We call upon Congress to defund the detention of those seeking safety at our borders.
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African Communities Together (ACT) empowers African immigrants to integrate socially, get ahead economically, and engage civically by connecting African immigrants to critical services, helping Africans develop as leaders, and organizing our communities on the issues that matter.
The African Public Affairs Committee (AfriPAC) is a non-partisan political organization that advocates policies for the empowerment of the African Diaspora.
The Alemayehu African Dream (AAD) provides legal and humanitarian assistance to Ethiopians, Eritreans, and other immigrants of African descent.
Black Alliance for Just Immigration (BAJI) is a Black-led organization championing racial justice and immigrant rights.
Black Immigrant Collective (BIC) amplifies and makes visible the voices of Black immigrants in Minnesota by building on our power toward our collective liberation.
Black LGBTQIA+ Migrant Project (BLMP) builds and centers the power of Black LGBTQIA+ migrants to ensure the liberation of all Black people through community-building, political education, creating access to direct services, and organizing across borders.
Cameroon American Council strives to build the capacity, visibility and relevance of the Cameroonian/African community in the United States.
Haitian Bridge Alliance (HBA), also known as "The Bridge" is a coalition of non-profit organizations and community activists who have come together to serve the Haitian and other black immigrant community in the borderlands California and beyond.
Partnership for the Advancement of New Americans (PANA) is a research, community organizing, and public policy hub dedicated to advancing the full economic, social, and civic inclusion of refugees and Muslims in the region.
UndocuBlack Network (UBN) is a multigenerational network of currently and formerly undocumented Black people that fosters community, facilitates access to resources, and contributes to transforming the realities of our people, so we are thriving and living our fullest lives.
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