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Hundreds protest ICE outside Sheridan prison

June 18, 2018

Hundreds of people gathered for a vigil in Sheridan Monday evening, to protest the Trump administration's policy of separating migrant families who attempt to enter the country illegally, including asylum seekers.

They gathered at Sheridan's Fishing Pond Park, not far from the Federal Correctional Institution where 123 would-be asylum seekers have been moved into over the last month.

The vigil comes after four members of Oregon's congressional delegation, all Democrats, toured the detention center on Saturday. The migrants told the politicians it's been difficult to impossible to talk to a lawyer. They have no idea where their wives or children are, and said they fear they'll be deported and separated from them forever.

Members of Oregon's congressional delegation (from left) Rep. Suzanne Bonamici, Sen. Ron Wyden, Sen. Jeff Merkley and Rep. Earl Blumenauer were visibly upset by what they saw Saturday, June 16, 2018, after touring the detention center in Sheridan, where 123 immigrants are being housed. "I don't care what your stance on immigration is, no one should favor ripping children out of their parent's arms," Blumenauer said.

Issues:Civil Rights