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Press Conference: Refugee Bond Fund
October 23, 2014 @ 10:00 am - 11:00 pm
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Interfaith Welcome Coalition
Media Advisory – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – October 22, 2014
Religious community rallies to raise funds, post bond for refugee women and children
SAN ANTONIO – A diverse group of congregational leaders will hold a press conference on Thursday, October 23, 2014 at 10:00am in front of Immigration Courts at 800 Dolorosa St. to denounce the federal government’s policy of labeling young refugee women and children as “threats to national security” and to announce the creation of Bond Fund to help release families from detention.
The federal government is detaining women and children fleeing violence in Central America in places such as Karnes City and requiring inordinately high bonds to release them until their court date. Religious leaders object to this treatment, referring to an Express-News story, dated October 11, 2014, which reported that “Smugglers charge migrants thousands of dollars for passage, regularly holding clientele ransom to bleed their families dry.”
“We’re holding young women and their children hostage until their families come up with thousands of dollars for bond,” said Rev. Paul Ziese, pastor of MacArthur Park Lutheran Church; “this is eerily similar to what smugglers do to refugees on their way here—we can’t tolerate our government doing it too!”
Local congregations are doing something about it. “Members of University Presbyterian Church have met with refugee women and children and heard their stories,” added Pastor Kelly Allen. “Our leadership is outraged that they are locked up for months. Our contribution of $50,000 to the Bond Fund will help release moms and their kids starting this week. We shouldn’t have to pay ransom to free refugees, but we must act now and we invite the community to join us.”
The Bond Fund is administered by RAICES and contributions can be made at www.raicestexas.org or directly BBVA Compass Bank, account number 672-559-9968.
Press Conference Schedule:
Thursday, October 23, 2014 at 10:00am
Immigration Court – 800 Dolorosa St.
For more information, contact:
Rev. Kelly Allen – 
(210) 844-1686
Jonathan Ryan – (210) 544-7811
The Interfaith Welcome Coalition is a gathering of congregational leaders advocating for refugees.
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