Hi folks!

We need help supporting a Kalmyk-Mongol family whose husband/father was recently detained by ICE. Scroll down for what your financial support can do.

On the morning of September 24, father and husband, Alexey, was detained during his routine ICE check-in. He was there with his wife, their 9-month old baby, a Sarin Gal community member, and his lawyer. Alexey's family was sick earlier this month when they were previously scheduled for a check-in; and per ICE protocol, they returned for their rescheduled check-in with a note from their doctor to confirm their sickness.

While the family was in the restroom changing the baby's diaper, the agents called Alexey's name. Once out of the restroom, agents took Alexey and his lawyer into another room, leaving his wife feeding their baby while waiting for his return. But, Alexey never came back out.

The family was instructed to leave the ICE office building on N. 8th Street where his wife would receive a phone call from Alexey so he could give her information about what happened. That was the last time that they spoke. Alexey is now being held at FDC and will be transferred to the Moshannon detention center, four hours away in central PA.

Who Is Alexey?

Alexey and his family are Kalmyks, an Indigenous Northern Mongolic nomadic people, whose current and ancestral land is now located under Russia. He and his family have been in the U.S. seeking asylum from the Russian government for the past two years. Unsurprisingly and frustratingly, there has been an increase in the detentions of Kalmyk and Buryat community members in recent weeks. This is because ICE is targeting all people seeking asylum in this country within the last 2 years. For Kalmyks who have a history of being endangered by one imperialist government, the U.S. immigration system is further illustrating a disregard for the safety of Indigenous people all over the world.

Families Belong Together

As the "breadwinner" for his family, it is on purpose that ICE has detained him. For Alexey and many other parents, their separation from their families and their jobs causes more stress to an already stressful situation. It weaponizes money and resources to pressure the loved ones left behind to self deport. Removing Alexey from his life was never about "safety." We know this because even when people follow "the rules," they are still detained; they are still separated from their loved ones; they are still punished. Detention of people immigrating to the US was never about community safety - it is a billion-dollar industry that uses our tax dollars for the profit of corporations like Geo Group. Community members belong in community - a proven support system that ensures people can go through immigration proceeding with humanity, dignity, and success.

How You Can Help:

While we continue to push back against the criminalization and dehumanization of all immigrants, there are some ways that our extended community can help. While Alexey remains away from his family, his wife and children need support in paying their monthly:

Rent ($1,600/month)

Utilities (~$250/month)

Food for one breastfeeding adult, an elementary school-aged child and an infant

Diapers, baby wipes

Transportation

We do not know how long Alexey's family will need to continue fighting for their case, but we know that it's likely to be at least several months. No matter the outcome, this family could use as much financial help that you can give. Thank you for supporting Alexey and his family. Thank you for supporting the immigrant people who are members of our communities. Thank you for being good humans.

Asian Americans United (fiscal sponsor of Sarin Gal) is collecting the funds for Alexey's wife, Nogan, to use for necessary monthly finances. We will transfer all the funds raised to Nogan to help pay for her rent, food for her and her children, utilities, and transportation!

Hanjanav/Bairljanav