How Is Elder Doing?

Very positive news on the habeas. Late Monday evening, Maryuri, Elder’s sister, received a call from the federal lawyer who filed Elder’s habeas corpus. The judge in Elder’s case had issued a ruling: the immigration court has to give Elder a bond hearing within 10 days or he must be immediately . 

While we are thrilled with this news, and anxiously await the next step, we also understand that this does not mean that Elder will receive a bond. He could be given a bond hearing and still be denied bond. There are only two reasons for which a bond can be denied – 1) if you are deemed a flight risk or, 2) are a danger to society. Elder is neither. 

Elder, in a phone conversation the next morning with team members, took the potentially good news with measured hope. He knows that he needs to hope for the best but prepare for the worst, so that in the case of the denial, Elder has the mindset to endure. He will appeal. And Elder’s team, likewise, is planning further action if the Habeas does not result in Elder’s release.  

The paperwork has taken a huge step forward. On Monday, Pastor Carol delivered to Rep. Aderholt’s local office ICE Form 60-001 signed by Elder. As reported in last week’s update, by signing this form, Elder gives elected officials the authorization to request materials about his case from other federal agencies. This should help Rep. Aderholt and his staff gather the information they need to collaborate with Elder’s community in advocating for his release. Thank you, Pastor Carol!

We’re visiting Elder. Team member Pam Cox, from Natchitoches, Louisiana, visited Elder on Tuesday. Pam reports from Elder that the cells are overflowing. Elder has been carrying mattresses for new detainees to other parts of the detention center because there is no space left in the cells.

Pastor Andy and Pastor Davis are visiting Elder today and tomorrow. This is Pastor Andy’s second visit and Pastor Davis’ first visit. Pennsylvania-based team members Vicki and Martha will be flying down next week to visit Elder as well. 

Elder has a companion named Reynier. Reynier is a Cuban asylum seeker, whose asylum petition was denied in the immigration court but who appealed and is fighting. Team member Vicki Meitus (the same Vicki visiting Elder next week), has been sending books to Elder, and decided to send a book to Reynier as well. When asked what topic he would like to read about, Reynier asked for an English book to learn more vocabulary. Vickie sent Reynier an English book from Amazon, but it was rejected. 

All of the team members who are visiting Elder at Winn are being hosted by various Louisiana-based members of the team. In these dark times, turn to the generosity and kindness of our community to give you hope. We know we are all in this for one reason – to free Elder.

“He told me to tell you all that he knows he’s going home soon”. These were the words that Elder asked Angela Della Valle to pass onto all of us. He knows he’s going home soon. We can all believe that with him, and continue our work with that positive attitude.

Did You Know?

More and more Americans are joining the Free Elder community. We are honored to be partnering with Connected Americans to strengthen and grow our community. Connected Americans are “people connected by family, community and faith. Immigration is part of our story. And we refuse to turn away from injustice.” Follow them on IG:  @ConnectedAmericans

In addition, the office of Rep. Joaquin Castro of Texas has responded to requests from community members, offering guidance and support on Elder’s case. Rep. Castro has been very vocal in advocating for the release of juveniles from ICE detention centers. We are honored to have his attention.

GoFundMe Update – Round numbers are the BEST. Elder’s GoFundMe is at exactly $9,000! Can you challenge your community to donate the next $1,000?

Our Community In Action

Pencils and cookies update. Here are more details on the back-to-school packages our community sent to elected officials. Sen. Katie Britt’s office received 225 pencils and a GIANT pencil. Why 225? Because that was how many days Elder had been in detention at that point. Cookies in the shape of pencils and apples were hand delivered to Rep. Aderholt’s office.

All of these packages are a creative way to remind these elected officials that Elder is still not back in school. Using milestone dates to remind elected officials of the length of Elder’s detention is a good way to get their attention. Feel free to use it in your communications. Shout out and gratitude to our Alabama-based team members who continue to find clever ways to engage with their elected officials.

United Methodist churches throughout Alabama have been telling Elder’s story. Some churches have been collecting change for Elder’s GoFundMe. Some have incorporated story into lessons for children, comparing Elder to Daniel in the lion’s den. Others have been using the Coloring pages for Elder, AND writing letters to Elder. There’s so many ways to let Elder know he is not alone.

Shout out to the Pennsylvania-based team members who held another event for Elder. Last Saturday, at Central Presbyterian Church in Downingtown, PA, a small but mighty group gathered to hear some wonderful acoustic music and speakers. Funds were raised for Elder and the G Family (check out their GoFundMe). Look for photos in an upcoming update.

We never rest. Pennsylvania community members! Come out on Saturday, August 29, 12:30 – 3:30 pm to write letters and postcards in support of Nelson Contreras-Gelves. Nelson was detained in June, one week after celebrating his marriage to Ariel, an American citizen. Details on the flyer below.

Editor’s Note: This is my last update, at least for now. It has been an honor to contribute my time and energy to Elder in crafting these updates. I have always strived to give useful factual information, a sense of the emotional state of Elder and those around him, as well as concrete, simple, varied actions each one of us can take. I have been supported by the entire Free Elder community with texts, emails and photos coming in almost daily. Being a part of this community feeds my soul, gives me hope and reminds me there are so many beautiful people in the world. I’ll still be around, but in other capacities. Thanks for reading, and most of all, thanks for the actions you have taken and continue to take on behalf of Elder. 

Heidi Hayes

“For I was a stranger and you welcomed me.”