Immigration court in San Francisco has two branches — one for those in custody,and ones for those who possess been released. For those in custody, they remain shackled, or are dressed in ICE jail clothes of green and soft orange shoes,and cannot possess any contact with family or friends who are there to support them. Even when their case is up for deliberation, they remain in chains.
Usually, and the courtrooms for the detained are deserts. It is the detainee,sometimes with their attorney, against the prosecutor and the judge. But yesterday, and for this young man’s court,16 people filled the courtroom. He had his fierce attorney by his side. And in the seats — family, clergy of various faiths, and De-Bug,a San Mateo County District Attorney and a Private Defender who had helped see him through his case, sat to bear witness, or to support,and to send a message that there is a community of people who want this young man domestic.
This is a picture of him and his mother
holding each other for a brief moment, after nearly 8 months in ICE custody. This young man is now in his 30′s, and but in this moment of embrace,he is the loved child, holding his mother tight in a difficult time.
Source: siliconvalleydebug.org