DHS Secretary Jeh Johnson Should Release Wildin Acosta After His Appeal Granted

From Durham Association of Educators

Yesterday, the Board of Immigration Appeals granted the appeal of Wildin Acosta and reopened his deportation order. In direct response, we, as teachers, call on DHS Secretary Jeh Johnson to immediately release Wildin Acosta immediately.

As teachers, it is our duty to protect students from conditions that circumvent learning and are detrimental to the health and safety of students. Wildin, a Riverside High School student, has spent nearly 6 months in immigration detention, suffering isolation, declining mental and physical health, and even solitary confinement in retaliation for his organizing and the community support he has received from the outside. During this time, he has also been denied access to his teachers, his school work, and the ability to graduate with his fellow classmates.

Wildin came to the United States fleeing violence from Honduras. Before he fled, one of his family members was killed by gang members who poured gasoline on his body and lit him on fire. Wildin is a refugee, coming to Durham as a teenager seeking safety, sanctuary, and the ability to learn in an environment free from fear. The reopening of Wildin’s deportation order means that he finally has the opportunity to apply for asylum before USCIS. However, he cannot apply for asylum while detained by ICE.

Finally, Wildin’s case also warrants a grant of prosecutorial discretion now more than ever given that he does not have a deportation order. Wildin is not a threat to the state, he is a student and a son; therefore we are asking Johnson to release him on his own recognizance.

DHS and Secretary Johnson, you have the power to release Wildin now. From previous experience of NC immigrant youth, we know that the Stewart Immigration Court is deeply flawed and we have little expectation that Wildin will receive due process. Stewart released Yefri Sorto-Hernandez on an egregious $30,000 bond, while denying bond to Josue Soriano-Cortez. Wildin’s life is not a political hot potato to be kicked around between agencies. Inaction by DHS here effectively means sentencing Wildin to indefinite detention. He deserves the fundamental right to an education, which he can’t get if he is not back in our classrooms.

Members of Congress, we call on you to do all that is in your political power to bring home a son, student, and community member.

Riverside High School demands Wildin back. We all do.

Sincerely,

Durham Association of Educators

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