4 weeks ago
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FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) - Community supporters rallied successful Downtown Fresno connected Thursday to request the merchandise of a chap national subordinate detained by ICE.
The rally was 1 of 8 held crossed California, Oregon, and Washington successful enactment of Lewelyn “Auntie Lynn” Dixon, a imperishable nonmigratory who’s lived successful the U.S. for decades and works arsenic a laboratory technician astatine the University of Washington Medical Center.
According to organizers, Dixon was detained successful February portion returning location from visiting household successful the Philippines. ICE cited a non-violent condemnation from much than 20 years ago.
Supporters accidental Dixon’s detention is unjust, particularly fixed the decades she’s spent gathering her beingness and vocation successful the U.S.
“Everyone deserves owed process,” said Francis Coronado, a retired SEIU member. “What they’re doing is wrong, and we should each get together, due to the fact that we’re stronger together.”
In Fresno, dozens gathered extracurricular the Robert E. Coyle Federal Building holding signs and chanting successful solidarity with "Aunty Lynn."
Among those who spoke was Fresno City Councilmember Annalisa Perea, who said Dixon’s communicative is 1 galore successful the Central Valley tin subordinate to.
“Her communicative transcends authorities lines,” Perea said. “And her communicative is 1 that tin beryllium felt present astatine home.”
Dixon’s niece, Eileen, traveled from Los Angeles to be the Fresno rally and said she was profoundly moved by the amusement of support.
“I was surprised, due to the fact that I didn’t cognize astir the national household present successful Fresno,” she said. “They cognize Tita Lynn. And I admit it so, truthful much.”
Later that afternoon, SEIU released a connection confirming that the justice overseeing Dixon’s migration proceeding successful Tacoma had ruled successful her favor, ordering her merchandise from custody.
Supporters accidental portion they’re celebrating the outcome, they’ll proceed pushing for broader reforms to support radical similar Dixon - ineligible residents with past convictions who’ve spent years contributing to their communities.
