{
"type": "rich",
"version": "1.0",
"provider_name": "Action Network",
"provider_url": "https://actionnetwork.org",
"html": "",
"author_name": "Immigrant Justice Network",
"author_url": "https://actionnetwork.org/groups/ijn",
"title": "Free Vincent Jobo",
"thumbnail_url": "https://actionnetwork.org//images/generic_facebook.jpg",
"description": "Free Vincent Jobo from ICE Detention – His Life Depends on It Vincent Jobo is a 34-year-old professional rugby player from South Africa seeking asylum in the United States, who has been in ICE detention for over two and half years. Vince has built a life in the United States after being recruited to play with two U.S.teams. He has lived, worked, studied, and contributed to the Austin and New Orleans communities since 2017. But since October 2023, Vincent has been detained in ICE custody at the South Texas ICE Processing Center, where his mental health has deteriorated and he has suffered abuse and discrimination. Vincent’s prolonged detention is not only unjust—it is life-threatening. In 2018, after sustaining multiple injuries as a professional athlete and losing his dream career in rugby—the sport he loves and that helped him cope with the devastating loss of his parents in South Africa—Vincent has faced serious physical and mental health challenges, including periods of deep crisis. Between 2019 through 2023, and despite his mental health struggles, Vincent relocated to Austin, Texas and put all of his efforts into rebuilding his life: he started working again, enrolled in culinary school, and began training with the Austin Blacks rugby team. He was working toward a full recovery and a return to a stable, dignified life. That all changed in September 2023, when Vincent was wrongly arrested and charged with “smuggling” in Uvalde, Texas, merely for offering a ride to a pregnant mother and family in need. During this arrest, Vincent was shocked to learn that a final removal order had been issued against him—something he had never been informed of. The order stemmed from the termination of his athlete visa years earlier, following his injuries and release from his rugby contract with the New Orleans Gold. Although the dubious “smuggling” charge leading to Vincent’s arrest was ultimately dismissed, he was still transferred to ICE custody. While in ICE Custody, Vincent applied for asylum, as he fears returning to South Africa due to his history of mental illness. Unfortunately, the immigration judge denied Vincent’s asylum claim in October 2024. Although the judge has ordered his removal, Vincent remains in ICE detention. ICE has now held Vincent for over six months after a final deportation order, in violation of the 180-day constitutional limit established by the Supreme Court. ICE’s continued detention of Vincent is unfounded and the South African authorities have repeatedly declined to accept his repatriation. Release from detention is the only choice. More importantly, his health is severely deteriorating in custody, and he has been the victim of abuse and harassment. ICE has also failed to provide the mental health and medical care he urgently needs. Returning Vincent to South Africa is not an option—it would place him at serious risk, both mentally and physically. Keeping him detained indefinitely is equally dangerous and unlawful. We demand that ICE immediately release Vincent Jobo. He deserves the chance to continue his medical treatment, rebuild his life, and live in safety and dignity. Please sign and share this petition to urge ICE to do the right thing—free Vincent now.",
"url": "https://actionnetwork.org/letters/free-vincent-jobo"
}