Alejandra Pablos, an immigrant, community organizer, and human rights activist in Virginia was detained by the Tuscon, AZ Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) office earlier this week.
In early January, Pablos was leading a peaceful protest in Virginia when she was detained by local ICE agents. In a pattern of intimidation and retaliation against immigrants and activists in general, she was detained by the Tuscon office—indefinitely and without the possibility of posting bond and being released. Below is our letter of support of Alejandra, or Ale, as she is known.
If you’d like to support her, please share Alejandra’s video on Facebook and sign this petition demanding her release.
March 7, 2018
To Whom It May Concern,
I’m writing on behalf of Miriam Alejandra Pablos Espriu (Alejandra). As the executive director of Progress Virginia, I have worked with Alejandra over the past several years in her role as the Virginia Field Coordinator for the National Latina Institute for Reproductive Health. In that role, Alejandra has been a tireless advocate for women and families, working to help underrepresented communities and individuals find their voice in making change in our democracy and promoting civic engagement.
During the time I have worked with her, Alejandra has taken on key leadership roles, including serving as the chair of the Economic Justice Workgroup, a coalition of organizations working to advance policies to support working families, as well as leading the Virginia Women’s Equality Coalition’s Grassroots Workgroup. In these positions, Alejandra has worked to build relationships and lift up community voices. She has empowered countless individuals to become active in making their community a better place to live. In short, she is a valuable partner in our work and a valued colleague.
Earlier this year, Alejandra was arrested at a peaceful protest, exercising what we all know to be precious rights to raise our voices and disagree with government actions. Alejandra exemplifies the values reflected in our constitution that we hold dear—a belief that our democracy functions best when every voice is heard and everyone has a say. In her professional work and personal advocacy, she has embodied those values.
We hope you will take this record and her deep connections to the community into consideration in evaluating her case. Alejandra is reliable and responsible and we are confident she will comply with any instructions from the court or mandated appearances.
Respectfully,
Anna Scholl
Executive Director
Progress Virginia Education Fund