FIEL and those gathered wanted to show support for detained immigrants.
HOUSTON — Immigrant advocacy group FIEL held a rally outside the Core Civic Houston Processing Center Friday night. They said they are showing solidarity with detained undocumented immigrants and asylum seekers.
The rally happened outside the gates of the facility contracted by ICE, where undocumented immigrants and asylum seekers are held temporarily as they await court dates, deportation or transfer.
The demonstration comes as some people currently held at the facility were detained by ICE this week, advocates report.
One woman held here is Margarita Avila. She was arrested on charges that were later dropped. ICE has not released her. ICE says Avila crossed the border illegally three times — and dropped charges won’t stop her deportation.
“This is my last hope,” said Lisbet Avila, her daughter. “I’m reaching out to the community for them to help me and try to get my mom out of here.”
ICE and Homeland Security officials confirmed that under current policy, undocumented immigrants are subject to removal regardless of criminal history.
The Core Civic Houston Processing Center serves as a temporary holding facility for individuals in immigration proceedings. Rally organizers expect a crowd to gather as the evening event approaches.
At least one person was detained by ICE after an immigration hearing in Houston on Monday.
Separate “No Kings” demonstrations were slated for Houston and nationwide on Saturday.