In Savannah, Georgia, the organization Migrant Equity Southeast (MESE) is making significant efforts to secure the release of workers from the Hyundai Megasite who are currently detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Their aim is to reunite these individuals with their families just in time for the holiday celebrations.

Following an immigration raid earlier this summer, MESE has successfully facilitated the release of three workers from what they describe as “unjust” ICE detention. These workers are now back with their loved ones, bringing a sense of relief and joy as the festive season approaches.

Daniela Rodriguez, the Executive Director of MESE, highlighted that about ten workers remain in ICE custody. These individuals, primarily in their 20s and 30s, hail from countries such as Venezuela, Mexico, Ecuador, and Nicaragua. Rodriguez emphasized the hardships they endured, saying, “They worked under extremely dangerous conditions at the Hyundai Megasite to provide for their families and children.” Among those detained is a 20-year-old woman who has tragically been separated from her infant for several months.

To support these efforts, MESE has established a legal fund with the target of raising $35,000 to aid in the release and legal support for these workers. Those interested in contributing can find more information and make donations through the designated page linked in their press release.

MESE has a legal fund with a goal of raising $35,000. You can view that donation page by clicking here.

“Even though they all have pending asylum cases and valid social security numbers, we know legal status doesn’t protect us. Our community does,” Rodriguez said. “This has been a hard year for many of us and we want to thank neighbors who make it possible for us to keep serving families living in Savannah and Coastal Georgia.”