No one should ever have to experience life in an immigration detention center—but especially during this pandemic, when forced proximity and a lack of access to medical care are even more dangerous. Today, an estimated 38,000 people  are locked up in detention centers across the United States. Many have fled violence or extreme poverty in their native countries and are seeking refuge. Others have lived in the U.S. for years and have deep roots in our communities.  

"The coronavirus has pulled back the veil on the apocalyptic moment we live in and the incredible failure of our system, the inability of our capitalist system to take care of people." Nadine Bloch of Beautiful Trouble

"To Seek Truth in Love: a Tribute to Arnie Alpert," is the title of a recent talk given by Barbara Keshen at the Unitarian Universalist Church in Concord NH.  In her talk, Barbara tells an unusual story about how she came to be familiar with Arnie and later developed a close working relationshiop in the campaign to end New Hampshire's death penalty.  She also encouraged donations to the Arnie Alpert Action Fund.

Building support for human rights and dignity has taken on new urgency in the middle of the global COVID-19 crisis. Yet, as the number of infections caused by the virus rises in the United States, government officials and members of the media are increasingly using the language of war to describe the pandemic and the response. These metaphors are not just words.

One of the many lessons of this pandemic is interdependence. What’s best for our neighbor is best for us as well—our health is bound together.

“We hope that you are all well and safe as we gather virtually under the darkening cloud of this unprecedented global pandemic. We dedicate this year’s Walk to all those individuals and communities around the world who are most vulnerable to the impacts of COVID-19,” Kryss Chupp, Good Friday Walk for Justice Committee, Chicago