Note from Brittani: Meet my friend
. She has become a dear friend in the last two years, one of the first people to welcome us into our new church here in Holland, MI. She is excellent at helping people connect to all the resources our community has to offer, and has a real gifting and passion for serving our immigrant neighbors. Thanks, Laura, for writing today’s Neighbor Notes!
What happened?
A few weeks ago, President Trump invoked the Alien Enemies Act of 1798, a law that has been used only four times in US history to either detain or deport nationals of an enemy country during wartime or an invasion. We’ve heard about this act a few times now, but it’s important to remember its significance and impact on our neighbors. This law hasn’t been enacted since noncitizen Japanese, Italians & Germans were sent to internment camps during World War II, an act for which the US formally apologized decades later. Even though the U.S. District Judge James Boasberg blocked President Trump’s plan to use this act to target Venezuelan Tren de Aragua gang members, over 250 Venezuelans were still sent to harrowing conditions in a mega-prison in El Salvador.

“When he [Jesus] saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” – Matthew 9:36
The conditions in the Terrorism Confinement Center (CECOT) in El Salvador are brutal and inhumane for any one. But are these men even criminals? The Alien Enemies Act of 1798 authorizes the expedited removal of nationals of a country with which the US has declared war, meaning individuals do not even have a chance to go before a judge for a typical deportation hearing. Without any evidence that the migrants deported are actually members of the Tren de Aragua or that they committed any crimes in the US, the Trump administration has forcibly removed these Venezuelans to a prison over 1,400 miles from their home country. Some family members, like Myrelis Casique López, are pleading for the innocence of their sons, husbands & dads who are now stuck in the cells of 65-70 people. Lopez claims her son, trained as a barber, has not been involved in any criminal gang activity. Yet, he is in confinement where no visits or outdoor activities are allowed. These men have been in this prison for a few weeks now and the conditions have not improved. Human rights organization Cristosal also reports cases of abuse, torture and lack of medical attention at CECOT.
How can we pray?
Pray that Christians around the world would feel and act upon Christ-like compassion for these men in CECOT
Pray for families who are unable to contact their loved ones imprisoned inside of the CECOT.
Pray for Rep. Ilhan Omar of Minnesota and Sen. Mazie Hirono of Hawaii who have been trying to appeal the Alien Enemies Act through introducing the "Neighbors Not Enemies" Act, but haven’t gained much traction.
Pray for the federal judges who are seeking to uphold the due process of just law for all during this season of sudden political shifts and changes
What’s one more thing you can do?
5 calls has an easy tool to call your representatives to protest the unlawful deportation of these men to El Salvador.
Curious about how you can support neighbors who are in need of legal, transportation, translation, financial, or advocacy help in West Michigan? Sign up here to receive volunteer opportunity information from West Michigan Welcome Plan local resettlement agencies who are looking for extra hands in this season of challenging federal budget cuts. You will be contacted by a local volunteer coordinator to explain next steps!
Note from Brittani: not in West Michigan? Let us know the volunteer opportunities where you are!
Thanks, Laura! This is so appalling...terrifying, even...