SIGN THIS PETITION

  • Why are you signing? Add a reason (optional)
    SIGN
    By signing, you accept Change.org's terms of service and privacy policy.
TELL ICE: Release Sophane from Unjust Detention!
  1. Signatures
    593 out of 1,000
    Petitioning
    1. The President of the United States (+ 12 others)
      Petitioning
      close
      • The President of the United States
      • The Governor of CA
      • The CA State Senate
      • The CA State House
      • Sen. Barbara Boxer (CA)
      • Rep. Susan Davis (CA-53)
      • Sen. Dianne Feinstein (CA)
      • Rep. Dana Rohrabacher (CA-46)
      • Rep. Loretta Sanchez (CA-47)
      • Rep. Bob Filner (CA-51)
      • Department of Homeland Security Secretary (Janet Napolitano)
      • Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary, Director of Immigration & Customs Enforcement (John Morton)
      • Council Representative of Third District at city of San Diego (Todd Gloria)
  2. Created By
    JOSH D GRLA
    CHULA VISTA, CA
About this Petition Petition Letter Petition Updates

*UPDATE* - Sophane was released from I.C.E. custody last year. During his release he maintained a good job to help care for his family and young nephew.  A couple days ago, during his regular monthly check in, he was detained again by I.C.E.

He is currently held prisoner at the Correction Corportation of America Detention Center in Otay Mesa California.

I.C.E. has not released any information to him or his family, as to when or if he will be deported.

The Meak Family wants to re-open this petition to support Sophane and to spread awareness of unjust immigration policies that continue to break families apart.

 - 

This petition calls for the release of Sophane Meak from an indefinite detention.  He is currently detained at Theo Lacy Detention Center in Orange County, California. He was detained by Immigration & Customs Enforcement (I.C.E.) AFTER serving time for a past crime.  When I.C.E. attempted  to deport him, the Cambodian Consulate stated that they refuse to accept his deportation and will not issue him travel documents for removal.  Sophane has written several letters to I.C.E. requesting a case review, but he has yet to receive any kind of clear response as to why he is still being detained. Sophane has already served his debt to society for past crimes, and deserves to be reunited his family.  Double punishment is wrong, indefinite detention is inhumane, and the community is demanding his release. 

This petition also aims to raise awareness of the climate of fear and paranoia that Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE) has created in Cambodian-American communities and other communities of color across the United States. 

Since the passage of the Antiterrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act (AEDPA) and the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act (IIRAIRA), both in 1996, detention and deportations have increased exponentially.  These laws replaced a discretionary system with mandatory detention and deportation, and expanded the grounds of Deportation to include minor offenses.  The 1996 laws are also retroactive. Most Cambodian-American Refugee detainees have already served time for past crimes. However under current immigration law they are considered "Criminal Aliens," and many are "deportable". This is abitrary and unjust.  This past summer Around 200 Cambodian-American Refugees across the nation have been detained by I.C.E. during Home and Road raids and searches. Double punishment is wrong!

 

Most Cambodian-American Deportees were raised in America after legally migrating with their families at a very young age. Most are very unfamiliar with the language and customs of Cambodia, and many have no remaining family there. America is the only country they know. Deporting these individuals to an foreign unfamiliar country is inhumane.

Join us! Take action and make a difference!  We are not Criminal Aliens! Join the Family Unity Campaign!

*Please ask your family, friends, and co-workers to sign this petition! Join us and lets make our voices heard! There is great power in numbers... Get as many signatures as you can!!!! 

*If you have FaceBook, dont forget to click the SHARE button after you have signed!

*The Re-Integration Support Center of Cambodia (RISC) is a program for and by Returnees to help individuals who have been deported re-integrate into Cambodian culture and society by providing essential services like job placement, educational opportunities, housing, and emergency medical services.  RISC needs our support in order to remain open.  You can learn more about RISC and how to donate at www.risccambodia.org.

 For more information regarding RISC & SouthEast Asian deportations, please visit www.deporteddiaspora.org or contact us at deporteddiaspora@gmail.com

Why People Are Signing
Recent Signatures

The indefinite detention of Sophane Meak is unjust and inhumane. Please take action for his release.

Greetings.

We, the undersigned, urge the Bureau of Immigration & Customs Enforcement, President Obama, and Local Representative Todd Gloria (D-3) to take action to immediately release Sophane Meak from an unnecessary, indefinite detention so he can be reunited with his family and community in San Diego, California.

Sophane has been detained for almost 1 year in Immigrant Detention, after serving time in prison. The Cambodian Consulate has written a letter to I.C.E., stating that they intend to drop his case and refuse to issue him travel documents for deportation. Sophane has sent 4 letters to I.C.E. requesting a case review, and they still have not given him a clear answer as to why he is being detained. Holding him indefinitely in detention after already paying his debt to society is unnecessary. The double punishment he is being forced to endure is unjust.

Sophane legally migrated to America as a Refugee with his family in 1986 after surviving war and genocide in Cambodia. Sophane was only 3 years old, and America is the only country he knows. He has no memories of Cambodia and is unfamiliar with Cambodian language and culture. He has no remaining family members in Cambodia, and deporting him or indefinitely detaining him in Immigrant Detention would surely drive his family into poverty.

Sophane has been a main source of support for his Mother, younger Sister, and two Nephews who are 2 and 6 years old. He is the only father figure that they have had since they were born. Sophane's mother, who is recovering from traumatic experiences during genocide and war in Cambodia, suffers from severe depression. Her condition requires round-the-clock care that Sophane used to provide with his sister her prior to his arrest. He also used to provide car maintenance duties while employed at EZ Lube. He gained a good reputation for what he does and would often fix his family and friends' cars at home. His family has waited patiently for his release, and they are suffering tremendously without him.

Sophane's indefinite detention is inhumane and the community is asking for his release.

Please release him from custody and allow him to return home with his family where he belongs.


Sincerely,

The Undersigned

[Your name]

Press Inquiries