We are concerned about the expansion of ICE detention centers and offices in our communities. News reports indicate that the Department of Homeland Security is buying or leasing property for a detention center in Winton NC, potentially new detention centers in Greensboro and the Concord area, and two new offices in Cary and Charlotte.

The below letter has been assembled by people of faith who wanted to invite faith communities to sign onto the letter to illustrate that we stand on the right side of history!

Thank you for signing on to this letter expressing opposition to ICE detention centers and expanding ICE offices in North Carolina.

STATEMENT OF CONCERN ON ICE DETENTION CENTER AND OFFICE EXPANSION

As people of faith, we are compelled to voice our concern over the expansion of detention centers and offices by Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in North Carolina and elsewhere. We support the rights and dignity of our immigrant and refugee neighbors and recognize that all deserve to be treated with respect and fairness. We make this public witness out of our sacred duty to work to protect all people, our community, and our neighbors. We are taught: 

·       “When a foreigner resides among you in your land, do not mistreat them. The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt. I am the Lord your God.” Leviticus 19:33-34

·       “Conquer anger through gentleness, unkindness through kindness, greed through generosity, and falsehood by truth. Be truthful; do not yield to anger. Give freely, even if you have but little.” – The Dhammapada

·       “Serve God, and join not partners with Him; and do good to parents, kinsfolk, orphans, the needy, the near neighbor, the neighbor farther away, the companion by your side, the traveler, and those whom your right hands possess.” The Quran (Surat An-Nisa 4:36)

·       “Blessed and happy is he that ariseth to promote the best interests of the peoples and kindreds of the earth… It is not for him to pride himself who loveth his own country, but rather for him who loveth the whole world. The earth is but one country, and mankind its citizens.” – Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh, Lawh-i-Maqsúd

There is extensive evidence the conditions and operation of existing DHS detention centers are inhumane, violating standards of human decency. People are held without due process or access to legal support. People are subject to unsanitary conditions, inadequate/inedible food, violence, mistreatment and withholding of medical care. A vast expansion of this system can only magnify such conditions. 

We call on our religious leaders, our political leaders, and all people to raise their voices in opposition to the inhumane and immoral treatment of our immigrant neighbors.