SAME LAST NAME, A DIFFERENT ICE VICTIM

SAME LAST NAME, A DIFFERENT ICE VICTIM

by Media Advocates Giv'g Natn'l Equality 2 Trans magnet_right_now@yahoo.com

Another woman named "Arellano". This one transgender, died in ICE custody. Protest her murder Monday @ LA Fed. Bldg. 6-9 pm.

Monday August 27, 2007

Time: 6:00 to 9:00 PM

Where: 300 N. Los Angeles st

Victoria Arrellano's vigil at 6pm today

[ from LAIMC editor Carolina:

We've all heard the news of the deportation of ELVIRA Arellano. Fewer have heard of VICTORIA Arellano, a Latina woman with the same last name, also in ICE custody, but in her case her "deportation" was final, She died in US custody, in San Pedro, part of Mexican territory taken by force of arms by Yankee Imperialists in 1848.

The following is from ASHLEY LOVE, Director of MAGNET -Media Advocates Giving National Equality to Trans:]



" The underline of this email is that coalitions and allies need to made between groups who may appear to be different, but are all really longing for the same ideals, and are being hurt by the same enemy.

" In this case, immediate bonding must take place between LGBT communities and immigrant communities. Both parties are under attack by the same inhumane right wing. Recently, the political wedge was the same sex marriage issue, now it's becoming the immigrant issue. These items are what the right wing is using to steer right wing voters to the polls. And we all need to take a stand together in solidarity, NOW, because there should not be so many little teams all independantly fighting against the same "big bad" team, but one new and improved team, consisting of all the little teams coming together to mobilize as ONE, to dismantle this "big bad" team, which is only so "big" because we allow it to be so by being so divided.

" In mid July, trans woman Victoria Arrellano died in immigrant detention. Arrellano had AIDS, and was living due to the medication she was receiving, however, once detained, she was not given the right medication, although she repeatedly asked to see the doctor. Arrellano knew exactly was her prescription was, in fact, it is well known in the medical field what the treatment for her disease is. She pleaded to her captors for mercy, and was denied. She spent the last weeks of her life begging to live, as her body was ravaged by the virus. Instead of a nurse, her fellow detainees cared for her the best way they could, and they even protested for her right to be treated by chanting "hospital...hospital" over and over again. Her being trans was overlooked by the inmates, and the movement that stirred all the detainees to action was that of humanity, which should bind all of us, regardless of our supposed differences. Sadly, even the entire group's voices were ignored, and Victoria passed away in a hospital due to lack of medical treatment.

"Arrelano had once been a patient of the Los Angeles Gay & Lesbian Center's state of the art AIDS clinic. Lorri L. Jean, the Cheif Executive Officer of the Center, stated "Given today's medications, people with HIV at the stage that Victoria was at do not decline that quickly. And I have no doubt in my mind that Victoria died because she was denied the medications that she needed to stay alive". Jean and her staff recently had a meeting with U.S. Rep. Henry Waxman (D-los Angeles) to discuss what happened.

"Unfortunately, this outrage is not an isolated incident, in fact, 3 other deaths were reported in the same week in immigration detainment through out the country. There have been over 60 cases (reported) total. But what makes this particular case so strong, is that Arrelano was in detention for weeks, long enough for them to know how to treat her, but instead, she was just shackled to her bed, as she vomited. The appalling and horrendous conditions of the medical treatment of immigrants being held in custody is unconstitutional, and barbaric, and will have to be revised. The lack of standards system responsible for these senseless deaths (one would dare say murders) needs to be be examined. There has to be accountability for these tragic losses and the authorities need to enforce action. A independent/public investigation and oversight needs to be done by the federal government on Victoria's death, because an investigation from only the immigrant department will not be sufficient (because they would basically just be doing an investigation on themselves, and we know what that means- are they really going to want to incriminate their own people?!). Pressure needs to be placed on Congress members to protect the human rights of immigrants, even if they are in detention. Yes, many Congress members will find it politically risky to stick up for immigrants, but if enough people urge them to, it will make a difference. Please ask your Congress person to have this case investigated. If you don't know who to contact or how, please click on link at the end of this email.

" There is a candle light vigil being held today at 6pm-9pm for Victoria put on by Bienestar and Victoria's family. Her mother and sister will be speaking, as well as John Trasvina (of MALDEF). It will be held in front of the immigration building in downtown (300 N. Los Angelos). If transportation is a problem, please let me know, for many people are carpooling. It is so important that we come out to support Victoria's family in their mourning. Also, the more people express their opposition of what led to this tragedy, the more the media will feel pressured to bring more attention to this, which will urge the decision makers to take changing the policies more seriously. This can't just can't be blown over. Every body present counts a lot! I was just informed of this vigil hours ago, and I wish I had been able to get this info to you earlier.

" Again, all oppressed people will be so much stronger in their quest for freedom and respect if we just realize that our causes are all so similar, and devote time and energy to what appears not to be just our specific struggle. We all are pieces of the same puzzle...all connected. Once we act in accordance to this, the swifter and more productive our victory/Victoria over tyranny will be. Victoria's death has given more birth to the strong and powerful alignment of the LGBT and immigrant communities, which will help weaken the dark forces that want to persecute us all.

"Please forward this to others who will be interested in this cause.

peace and blessings, Ashley

Ashley Love

MAGNET- Media Advocates Giving National Equality to Trans

Work cell # : 310 621 0011 email: magnet_right_now@yahoo.com

website: myspace.com/ms_ashley_love "

**********

Also from Children's Hospital Trans youth Project;

Please share with your contacts and if you can make it and support this vigil would be greatly appreciated it.



Hope to see you there



Bamby Salcedo

Childrens Hospital Los Angeles

Transgender Youth Project Coordinator

!323)361-2390

(323)361-5983 Direct Connect

mailto:bsalcedo@chla.usc.edu