From Neighbor to Neighbor Massachusetts: The Mayor of Lynn, Jared Nicholson, has joined the growing condemnation of ICE activity in the city, calling it harassment and disruption of the city’s residents. He made the statement yesterday afternoon during a press conference held by The New Lynn Coalition, Neighbor to Neighbor, and the LUCE Immigrant Network..
Earlier this month, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents detained Emmanuel Kenga, a beloved member of the Lynn community, after he appeared in person for his scheduled immigration check-in. He was swiftly relocated to Buffalo, New York, and is now at a new ICE detention facility in El Paso, Texas, where there have been multiple complaints about poor and unsafe conditions. In addition, being this far away from his family and community has made it much more challenging to fight his detention, something the community has called deeply unfair. Since the implementation of Operation Patriot 2.0, ICE has claimed its actions are about protecting communities, but instead, they have used their unyielding power to tear families apart, torment neighborhoods, and spread fear where there should be safety and solidarity.
Originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Emmanuel was currently employed as a home health aide to senior citizens and as a food delivery worker for a mobile pantry serving families in need. He is also a member of multiple community organizations across the city, vested in assisting others in need.
“First, they say they are targeting criminals, and they are going after the collateral that they pick up along the way, our friends, our family, who have done nothing wrong. People say, I support immigration, but you have to do it the right way. Asylum is a human right, and Manny was doing it the right way.”
Mayor of Lynn Jared Nicholson
Mayor Nicholson was speaking alongside community leaders, including City Councilors Natasha Megie-Maddrey and Brian LaPierre, and representatives from Senator Ed Markey’s and Congressman Seth Moulton’s offices, in response to the growing concern of the presence of ICE in Lynn.
“Emmanuel came here seeking protection, yet instead of finding refuge, he has been met with cruelty and dehumanization”, added Danny Timpona, Organizing Director at Neighbor to Neighbor and Lynn community member. “Across the country, ICE continues to criminalize immigrants whose only ‘ crime’ is seeking safety, stability, and opportunity for their families.”
Neighbor to Neighbor Massachusetts continues to call on local, state, and federal leaders to ensure Emmanuel’s release and protect his right to asylum. The Lynn community cannot afford to lose a man whose life embodies service, courage, and hope.
About Neighbor to Neighbor Massachusetts
Neighbor to Neighbor Massachusetts (N2N) is a grassroots organization committed to building power in working-class communities of color to achieve racial, economic, and environmental justice. Through organizing, advocacy, and community engagement, N2N works to create a state where everyone can thrive. Learn more at n2nma.org
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