Community Rallies Around St. Paul Public Works Employee Facing Deportation
Two leaders in the St. Paul Public Works Department, Sean Kershaw and Jericho Huggar, have started a GoFundMe account to support one of their employees who was detained by federal ICE agents and is now facing deportation. The employee, who has not been named, was taken into custody despite having legal authorization to work in the United States and a valid commercial driver’s license.
A Great Employee in Need of Support
The GoFundMe page describes the employee as a “great employee” who has been working hard to keep St. Paul streets safe by plowing snow and filling potholes. His detention has left his wife without any income, as she is now afraid to go to work due to her limited connections in the community. The fundraiser aims to provide financial support to the family during this difficult time.
As of Monday, the GoFundMe page had raised almost $13,500 of its $20,000 goal, with 283 donors contributing to the cause. The response has been overwhelming, with Kershaw stating that the initial goal was to raise $1,000. The generosity of the community has been a beacon of hope for the employee and his family.
Advocacy and Support
The Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota and U.S. Rep. Angie Craig have advocated for the employee to receive proper medical attention, as he suffers from a serious medical condition that requires medication and a special diet. An attorney from the law center is in touch with the employee and his wife, providing them with much-needed support and guidance.
Kershaw noted that the detention facility where the employee is being held is the same one where a Nicaraguan man recently died. This has raised concerns about the treatment and care of detainees, particularly those with medical conditions. The employee’s health issues continue to be a concern, with Kershaw stating that while he has access to his medicine, the food provided is a problem.
The detention of this employee has sparked a larger conversation about the treatment of immigrants and the importance of due process. Kershaw emphasized that the employee had federal authorization to work, did not have a criminal history, and had a valid CDL license. This case highlights the need for a more nuanced approach to immigration policies and the importance of supporting those who are contributing to their communities.
For more information and to support the employee and his family, visit the GoFundMe page. To learn more about this story, click Here
Image Source: www.twincities.com
