In August and September, Cal-Pac shared that after losing their Temporary Protected Status on July 28, the Haitian community in San Diego was in need of our advocacy, accompaniment, and donations. A rally in early September helped the group receive the media attention needed as immigration enforcement actions immediately followed the loss of protections.
As of mid-October, the Otay Detention Facility in San Diego is full, and Haitian detainees are now being transferred to Arizona, which places them farther from their families, their support networks, and their legal help. Many Haitian immigrants who entered the United States between 2016 and 2020 have also received deportation letters, leaving families anxious about what comes next.
In the midst of this fear, there are signs of care and solidarity. We know of at least two detainees who were released and returned to their loved ones. Each week, the Christ United Methodist Ministry Center (CUMMC) offers clarification and advice to about 100 Haitian immigrants, helping them understand their options and their rights.
Practical support continues as well. CUMMC has provided food and other assistance to twenty-seven families. The CUMMC Good Neighbor Food Distribution keeps supplying food for immigrant families, and Baby to Baby recently donated 25 boxes of diapers for families with small children.
The needs are real and ongoing, and so is the generosity of this community. We will keep walking alongside our Haitian neighbors, and we invite others to join us in prayer, giving, and service. Your donations can help through the Safe Harbors Network Fund, administered by Christ Ministry Center, housing the Haitian congregation in San Diego. To be sure that you receive a tax deductible receipt for your donation, please email Rev. Dr. Donald Owens, Executive Director, director@cummc.org.