Community Rallies in Support of Maplewood Family Facing Deportation
Families, educators, and local advocates from the Maplewood-Richmond Heights School District gathered in downtown St. Louis on Monday to support community members facing deportation this summer. The event highlighted the struggles of individuals like Alba del Socorro Matamoro Hernandez, a caretaker at the MRH Early Education Center, who fled political persecution in Nicaragua with her family four years ago.
Nearly 100 individuals rallied outside the Robert A. Young Federal Building, showing solidarity as Hernandez attended an immigration appointment. “I’m truly moved by the outpouring of support from the St. Louis community, including the school staff and students,” she expressed in Spanish, reflecting the warmth of the gathered crowd.
Attendees wore blue shirts bearing messages of support and displayed signs proclaiming, “Immigrants are welcome here.” Their advocacy comes in the wake of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detaining Hernandez’s husband, Boanerges Flores-Bravo, during a routine check-in on May 18. Both Hernandez and Flores-Bravo were granted work permits and had been compliant with ICE regulations throughout their legal proceedings.
Following Flores-Bravo’s detention, ICE has asked Hernandez to voluntarily deport him and their daughter, Moren, while they await his immigration case. Currently, Flores-Bravo is being held in a Louisiana detention center. As of Monday afternoon, no court documents indicating any criminal behavior by either parent have been found.
On the same day of the rally, Hernandez signed documents initiating the deportation process, and U.S. authorities are preparing to issue plane tickets for her and Moren. Hernandez has another immigration appointment scheduled for June 15. Support for the family has grown into the community, with a GoFundMe campaign surpassing $25,000 since news of their plight circulated.
Retired teacher Dana Isom, who worked alongside Hernandez, shared that the children adore her. “She is hardworking and kind; the students have learned Spanish just to communicate with her. It’s heartbreaking to see her family going through this, especially when they’ve followed the law,” Isom stated.
At the rally, MRH Elementary School teacher Heather Jaber addressed the young attendees, speaking about the impact of adult decisions on families. She emphasized that fear and prejudice can lead to harmful outcomes, encouraging students to speak out for fairness and change. Meanwhile, local leaders, including Rep. Wesley Bell, plan to visit Flores-Bravo in detention, advocating for the family’s rights.
Bell voiced frustration over the challenges in obtaining information from detention facilities, noting that the family has been compliant with immigration laws. He sees the struggle as a testament to the family’s character, stating, “They are hard-working individuals who contribute positively to our community.” Jaber’s speech and community unity reflect an increasing movement aimed at reforming local immigration policies through collective action and support.
This rally underscores the critical intersection of immigration, local community support, and advocacy, illustrating a collective plea for humane treatment of families facing deportation in America.
