Meet Brenda: Our 23rd Bond Recipient

Today, we are excited to share with you the story of the 23rd recipient of our bond program, Brenda. After 5 months of being in detention, this 37-year old loving mother was finally able to see so many loved ones and friends (at a safe distance). Brenda escaped domestic violence in El Salvador, and like so many other asylum seekers waited in Tijuana for over a year as a result of MMP (Migrant Protection Protocols), only to finally end up at the Otay Mesa Detention Center. In her time in Tijuana, she spend much time cooking and feeding other migrants at a volunteer-run shelter, helping so many others in her similar situation.
Despite her not having any criminal history, she has been stuck at this COVID-19 death trap with a bond of $7,500. This woman would not have been able to leave this place had it not been for the efforts of Jill Zwiers, Minority Humanitarian Foundation, and the National Bail Bond Fund, among others. Despite such hardships her spirits remain hopeful and brave, and this process however hard, has taught us how much we can do for one another especially when we all work together.
Let this story serve as a reminder of all the mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers and community members waiting in such conditions in detention, simply for seeking a place or a part in this country. Brenda represents so many others being subject racist and inhumane policies, and we must not forget the urgency of getting everyone we can out of the Otay Mesa Detention Center. This pandemic continues to be unforgiving, and we will not allow any more lives lost. Again, we thank you for your support and ask you to continue to help us make sure our folks are free and alive.