We, the undersigned religious leaders, are compelled by our faith to speak out at this time. Lexington is about to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the start of the American Revolution. We fought against tyranny and for our own freedom. In light of this, it is imperative that we express our concern that our country is now facing unparalleled constitutional crises.
In March, the U.S. detained and deported an innocent legal resident of this country. Kilmar Abrego Garcia is a resident of Maryland. He is a hardworking husband and father, as well as a member of his trade union. He was swept up in a raid and sent to prison in El Salvador, even though he has ‘withholding of removal’ status and the administration has stated that his removal was an ‘administrative error.’
As faith leaders, we condemn the unjust and immoral actions against Kilmar Abrego Garcia. He was detained without due process, taken from his family without criminal charges, and removed from the United States despite having legal resident status. The Supreme Court has ruled that the United States must act to facilitate the return of Kilmar Abrego Garcia; defying this court order is blatantly unconstitutional. If this can be done to Mr. Garcia, there is no reason it cannot be done to anyone, as the president explicitly said. More relevant to us as faith leaders, this action is also cruel and unjust. Taking people off the streets and sending them out of the country without charges or due process is reminiscent of the worst abuses of totalitarian regimes. History tells us just how atrocious this is. We will not be silent.
Compelled by our various faiths, we will continue to advocate for Kilmar’s freedom and swift return to the U.S. and his family. This violation of basic human rights is entirely at odds with our scriptures, and as faith leaders, we will not be deterred from speaking the truth. In the name of our God, and for the sake of justice, bring Kilmar Abrego Garcia back to the U.S., and end this form of cruelty.
Rev. Anne Mason, First Parish UU
Rabbi David Lerner, Temple Emunah
Rabbi Eliana Willis, Temple Emunah
Rev. Dr. Barbara Callaghan, Hancock UCC
Rev. David C. Clark, Hancock UCC
Rev. Reebee Kavich Girash, Pilgrim UCC
Rev. Claire Feingold Thoryn, Follen UU
Rabbi Karen Thomashow, Temple Isaiah
Rabbi Jordi Battis, Temple Isaiah
Cantor Lisa Doob, Temple Isaiah
Rev. Emily J. García, Our Redeemer Episcopal
Phoebe Eckart-Lee, First Parish UU
It is very good to see this statement. Thank you. Due process, habeas corpus, and protection from cruel and unusual punishment are bedrocks of American democracy. Let’s cherish the principal that we are all entitled to a presumption of innocence until proven guilty in a court of law.
“Taking people off the streets and sending them out of the country without charges or due process is reminiscent of the worst abuses of totalitarian regimes.” ‘Nuff said, looking at you, Donald Trump.
Let’s not forget Rümeysa Öztürk.
Let’s not forget Mohsen Madawi either – grabbed during his citizenship interview after living peaceably in the US for a decade. Let’s not forget ANYONE who has been sent to a jail in El Salvador without a hearing or access to legal representation, apparently to rot forever without any possibility of release. This is not what America is supposed to stand for.
Thank you for your unity facing this abuse of power
Eveline