There are countless children/parents who have been separated from their families through deportation. It continues and returning a family member who has been deported is the desperate plea of every child, wife or husband, brother or sister of someone who has been taken from them.

How I wish I could undo the harm that has been done to these families by the same ideologies that took Native American children from their families. The damage is the same; generational heartbreak and anger for what this great country has done. There is not a lack of room or jobs for immigrants in America. There is a lack of heart and goodwill in America.

I'm not a Kardashian. I can't use my star power to visit the president and ask for mercy for someone. I have little faith in politics these days, but I can ask for your help and see if we can get a father back to his family. 

I believe in miracles. They happen every day at hospitals when babies enter this world. They happen when first responders get a pulse back from someone at death's door or when someone wrongly convicted is set free. This world is beset by so much turmoil, more tragic events than anyone can even remember and that's just the past few decades. I have to believe that the stage is set for someone, anyone, especially those in power to do a whole lot of damn good and to do it now.

I know not everyone deported can return to their families, at least not quickly and easily. So let's start with one. Domingo Barragan's father.

Domingo “Mingo” Barraga features in the documentary called Hood River, playing for the Varsity soccer team at Hood River Valley HS. During the filming Domingos father is pulled over for a traffic violation. He is detained and shortly after deported.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HMmre38vbr0

How sick I feel just thinking about all the deportations and in the callous manner in which they are often carried out.  Deportations happen everywhere, but Hood River is my backyard. The gorge, as it is known, is one of the most beautiful parts of this country. Orchards here are happy to employ immigrants who work harder and for less than most Americans ever will.

I don't like the growing wealth gap, but it exists. Some families are just more fortunate than others, born into wealth or perhaps just born on the right or wrong side of a border. What both rich and poor share is family. Rich or poor, if you are a loving parent, your family is all the wealth that actually matters.

If you are a child separated from your loving mother or father, it doesn't matter what's on the Thanksgiving dinner table or underneath a Christmas tree. They would gladly trade all the food and all the gifts for the presence of their family. I am praying for the hearts of all separated families, especially children who will not be with mama and papa as we celebrate the holidays. 

Sign this thing and Joe, if this makes it to you... I know you got your work cut out for you. I am so thankful for your continued public service. If you find it in your heart to help re-unite Domingo Barragan's family, it might seem like a drop in the ocean, but to Domingo and his father, it will mean everything. 

Respectfully,

~Everyone who has signed this