The ICE Office where immigrants check-in with ICE as a condition of their legal proceedings.
It was my very first accompaniment back in February 2025. A Colombian young man came from Austin on the Greyhound Bus. His check-in appointment was at 8 am, so he arrived at 3 am on the only bus that could get him there in time. I picked him up at 6:30 am and took him for breakfast. He shared his story with me. He was so nervous and scared. I drove to the ICE office and parked my car. I asked him if I could say a prayer; he said yes.
I took his hand. He was shaking and started crying. It is incredible how this situation causes so much pain and trauma to these asylum seekers.
We walked toward the front door, and an officer came out saying that all the appointments for that day were cancelled! No note or signature on the paperwork! They could easily say that they didn’t show up and give a deportation order. I drove him back to the Bus Station. We kept in touch and later he received another appointment for August of this year.
He was very grateful for what I did for him. A small act of kindness can make such a difference to those most vulnerable.
