12.03.08
Human Rights Advocates to Speak Out against Detention of Infants and Children in Williamson County
Press release event this Sunday, December 7th in Georgetown:
MEDIA ADVISORY 12/03/08
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Human Rights Advocates to Speak Out against Detention of Infants and Children in
Williamson County
CONTACT: Sherry Dana, 512 868-5181,
CO-SPONSORS: WilCo Family Justice Alliance, Texans United for Families, League of United Latin American Citizens District 7, MADRES, Texas Indigenous Council, Freedom Ambassadors, Cesar E. Chavez March for Justice, PODER
WHERE: Williamson County Courthouse in Georgetown, TX
WHEN: Sunday, December 7, at 4:00 p.m.
GEORGETOWN, TX - On Sunday, December 7, at 4 p.m. a peaceful coalition of individuals and groups opposing Willliamson County’s participation in the detention of asylum seekers will gather on the Courthouse steps in downtown Georgetown.
Although federal law requires the “least restrictive setting possible” for immigrant families, in 2006 Williamson County contracted with Corrections Corporation of America, a private for-profit prison company, to incarcerate non-criminal women and children in the T. Don Hutto detention facility in Taylor. The contracts between ICE, Williamson County, and CCA are up for renewal in January.
Concerned citizens will meet in the parking lot at 4th and Austin Ave. in Georgetown at 3:30 p.m. and walk southeast to the County Courthouse at 710 Main Street to hear community leaders speak in support of alternatives to the incarceration of families awaiting asylum or immigration hearings.
Gifts will be collected for the 385 detainees; suggestions include new toys in original packaging, books, music players, music, lotion, shampoo, candy, phone cards, and warm clothing such as sweaters and heavy socks. These will be delivered on December 20 at an upcoming Hutto vigil.
Attached is a fact sheet on Hutto with quotes from detainees, Taylor residents, and members of the faith community.
Map of the area:
Driving directions to Courthouse: Take IH 35 north to exit 261, State Hwy 29. Go east on 29 about 7 blocks and turn left at Austin Ave., proceeding north about 4 blocks. Courthouse is on the right.
For additional information: Visit http://tdonhutto.blogspot.com
This Hutto fact sheet [.doc] was also sent to remind us of what’s going on there and why it needs to stop. No one there has committed a crime, they came to this country seeking asylum. It’s been a while since EOW has posted on T. Don Hutto, and this is a great time to start up again, especially since the contract is up for renewal in January. Time to start pressuring the WCGOP commissioners court to end this travesty. With the holiday season coming up there is a great opportunity to help those at T. Don Hutto, Toy drive for families at Hutto.