Detained for nearly half his life — demand his release today

Detained for nearly  half his life —  demand his release today

Dear Tracy, 18-month old Jhordan Primero has spent nearly half of his young life in immigration detention. Tell local authorities to release Jhordan and his mother immediately. In Guatemala, where Jhordan was born, his mother Celia was threatened, harassed, and even beaten by members of her family because of her differing Indigenous culture and religion, and for intervening to protect a family member from domestic violence. Fearing for their lives, Celia fled from Guatemala with Jhordan. They arrived at the U.S.-Mexico border in July of last year. They were immediately held in detention in New Mexico until December, when they were transferred to Karnes City, Texas. In total, both have been detained for more than seven months. Demand Jhordan's and Celia's release now. The U.S. government has an obligation to ensure that the human rights of migrant families are respected, protected and fulfilled. Under international law, detention should only be used as a measure of last resort. U.S. Immigration authorities have the discretion to release Celia and Jhordan, and others like them, but they have refused to do so. While in detention, Celia has lost more than 30 pounds. She reports suffering from both headaches and a chronic intestinal problem, and, due to a lack of dental care, is in constant pain as a result of an infected tooth. She shows signs of suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. Jhordan has become irritable and aggressive while in detention. Currently experiencing a chronic ear infection and congestion, his health and nutrition have been critically impacted by his continued confinement. Celia and Jhordan's continued detention violates international law. Raise your voice to help see that they are released immediately. In solidarity, Justin Mazzola Researcher Amnesty International USA