LGBTQ undocumented immigrants fleeing persecution in their home countries based on sexual orientation or gender identity are often placed in immigration detention as they seek asylum in the United States.  There are over 78 countries with criminal laws against sexual activity by LGBTQ people.

Detention and deportation are not the answer to a broken immigration system.    

GetEQUAL, the Not1More campaign, and Familia QTLM demand ICE and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)  immediately release LGBTQ undocumented immigrants in detention and to stop the deportations of those in proceedings.

We also reject the building, transfer, or opening of a new detention center for LGBTQ people.

Every day, Jeh Johnson and the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency are responsible for the mental and physical abuse of LGBTQIA people in such LGBTQ Pods.

If DHS can’t provide a safe environment for the LGBTQ community – or any other group or individual – then we should end their detention immediately in favor of safer alternatives.