Dignity Not Detention 2023 Campaign
Over 60 community members came together to talk about ending ICE detention in New York State through the Dignity NotDetention (DND) Act (S306/A4354). Introduced by Assemblymember Karines Reyes and Senator Julia Salazar, DND would get New York State out of the business of ICE detention by preventing NYS governmental entities from contracting with ICE for the purposes of immigrant detention. It would also end current ICE detention contracts, including contracts at Orange County Jail, Clinton Correctional Facility, Rensselaer County Correctional Facility, and Chautauqua County Jail.
Thank you for attending the Dignity Not Detention campaign’s on June 22nd at the at The Bronx Music Heritage Center.
"Refuge America's Founder, Edafe Okporo, Brings his Life to the Stage in Powerful Play: 'Do Not Tell Anyone I am a Prince" a collaboration with Waterwells Theater. Gbenga Akinnagbe (The Wire, Broadway’s To Kill a Mockingbird) then performed “Do Not Let Anyone Know I am a Prince,” a poignant exploration of the harrowing realities of U.S. immigrant detention by Edafe Okporo. We are also grateful to Raz Golden for directing and Waterwell for producing the play which highlighted how immigrant detention goes hand in hand with the exclusion of, and violence towards, the queer community.
A Tale of Resilience and Empathy: "Do Not Tell Anyone I am a Prince" beautifully portrayed Edafe Okporo's experiences as an immigrant and asylum seeker, shedding light on the challenges and triumphs he encountered along the way. From his courageous escape from persecution to his arrival in the United States, the play immersed the audience in the poignant moments that defined Okporo's life. The story captured both the pain of leaving one's homeland and the hope that lies within the pursuit of a better future.
Panelists Tania Mattos (Founding member of Abolish ICE NY NJ), Carol Larancuent (Bronx Defenders), and Edafe Okporo (Refugee America) along with moderator Rosa Cohen-Cruz (Bronx Defenders) then discussed the realities of immigrant detention for both people in detention and their loved ones and why we must end ICE detention. Panelists also shared a statement from Ms. Q mobilizing the community to end ICE detention. Panelists called on NYS to pass DND and for elected officials, from Mayor Adams to President Biden, to welcome asylum seekers with dignity, not criminalization. We ended the event with a community forum and call to action.
Looking Ahead: As "Do Not Tell Anyone I am a Prince" concluded its 2023 stage performance, it marked the beginning of a new chapter for our work to end the state of New York relationship with ICE detention centers. The play's impact will undoubtedly linger, sparking conversations and inspiring action towards a more humane way of welcoming new immigrants. With this creative endeavor, Refuge America reaffirms its commitment to empowering migrants, supporting legislation that safeguards their rights, and continuing to foster a community that believes in the transformative power of storytelling. We will continue working to make the state of New York a welcoming place for LGBTQI displace people and newly arrived immigrants.
New 12 New York covered the event Anti-ICE advocates call on state officials to end immigration detention facilities
Thanks to our partners at Waterwell Theater, Bronx Defenders and other coalition members. To learn more about our work please visit our main page and take action, volunteer to support our work.