Important Next Step in the Efrén Paredes Jr. Freedom Campaign
[This message is intended for Efrén's supporters only. Please do not share it in the public domain.]
Dear Family Members, Friends, and Dedicated Advocates,
At 15 years old, Efrén Paredes Jr. entered the prison system. Today, at 53, he has spent more than 70% of his life behind bars -- nearly four decades denied the full potential of his humanity. Yet behind those walls, Efrén's spirit did not break; it transformed. His journey is no longer defined by the years taken from him, but by the leader, mentor, and advocate he has become. True justice cannot exist without mercy, and after nearly forty years, Efrén's freedom is long overdue.
Efrén received a public hearing conducted by the Michigan Parole Board on September 1, 2026 to consider his application for commutation of sentence. We thank every family member, friend, advocate, ally, and member of the movement family who attended his nearly five-and-a-half hour long hearing, including folks who registered but were unable to attend due to other previously scheduled commitments. Every registration and person of support mattered that day. Efrén is deeply grateful to each person who wrapped their arms around him with the warmth of their care and concern that day and for standing with him in our years-long campaign for his freedom.
Next, the Parole Board will convene a meeting with all of its members to vote to make a recommendation to Governor Gretchen Whitmer regarding Efrén's commutation of sentence request. Once Governor Whitmer receives the Parole Board's recommendation, she will make a final decision. A decision is expected to be made before December 31, 2026 when her term in office expires.
We stand at a critical, time-sensitive crossroads in Efrén's petition for commutation of sentence. With less than four months remaining in Governor Whitmer's current term, our collective effort right now can reshape a destiny and reaffirm our shared commitment to human rights. Every email sent to the Governor reinforces a fundamental human truth: that no person should be defined solely by their past, and that every individual possesses an inherent right to redemption.
You can help carry this movement forward during the next phase of our campaign by taking two quick, high-impact actions:
1. Use Gov. Whitmers Official Contact Page to Express Support:
Everyone -- whether in Michigan, across the country, or around the world -- can send a message of support via the Governor's Official Contact Page (https://bit.ly/efrenmigov Simply select "Share your opinion" under the "Description of Issue" menu, then write your personal appeal or you can use the letter at the end of this message as a model. Please use this option even if you have previously sent a support message.
2. Stay Updated About the Campaign:
"Like" the Free Efrén Paredes Jr. Facebook page, share it in your social media network, and encourage others to "Like" and share the page as well. You can access the page here: https://fb.com/Free.Efren By doing so, you can help this cause be seen, heard, and felt more broadly.
Every message sent matters and strengthens our collective call for fairness, dignity, and compassion. It also reflects the belief that redemption is a fundamental human right. Together, we can grow this movement and shape a future rooted in compassion and justice. Your continued support helps position Efrén for the opportunity he has waited decades to receive.
Thank you for your solidarity, your unwavering belief, and for believing in this cause.
In Solidarity and Hope,
The Injustice Must End (TIME)
Committee to Free Efrén Paredes Jr.
https://fb.com/Free.Efren
https://EfrensWords.home.blog
**************************************
EXAMPLE SUPPORT MESSAGE
Dear Hon. Governor Whitmer,
I am writing to express support for Efrén Paredes Jr.'s (MDOC #203116) pending application for commutation of sentence. A public hearing was conducted on September 1, 2026 by the Michigan Parole Board to consider Efrén's application, and their recommendation will reach your office in the coming days for a final decision.
Efrén is a Latino man from Berrien County, Michigan who has been incarcerated nearly four decades for a crime he was charged with at age 15 and sentenced to life without parole (LWOP). He is now 53-years-old and has spent 70 percent of his life behind bars.
Today, Efrén is a journalist, college student in his senior year pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Interdisciplinary Studies through the Western Michigan University Higher Education for the Justice-Involved (HEJI) program, and social justice changemaker who works to support racial justice, conflict resolution, and empower members of marginalized communities.
In 2012, the nation's high court made it abundantly clear that only minors who are forever incapable of change and rehabilitation can receive a LWOP sentence. It is, therefore, unconstitutional to impose the extreme sentence on a minor arrested for a crime at age 15 who has demonstrated nearly four decades of documented change and rehabilitation, and no acts of violence while in prison.
Granting Efrén's commutation of sentence request will recognize the inherent dignity in young people, embrace the concept of redemption, and uphold our nation's belief in second chances. It also replaces eternal punishment and destruction of lives with a pathway to healing and restoration.
I respectfully request that you extend mercy to Efrén by using your extraordinary executive power to commute his sentence to a term of years and allow him the chance to demonstrate his full potential outside prison walls for the first time in his adult life.
Thank you for your time and consideration.