Nine weeks have passed since Neba died in the custody of U.S. immigration authorities. His family still has not been allowed to enter the U.S. to view and claim his body. Bello and Stanley-Rea explain:
The U.S. government is compounding the tragedy of Neba’s death by refusing to grant his family a visa so they can come and claim their brother’s body. Cultural and religious traditions of the Bafut tribe typically require identification of the body by a spouse or next-of-kin and a series of rites to take place before the casket is sealed.
Freedom to practice one’s religious traditions has been a core value of our nation since its founding, and death practices in every faith tradition provide comfort and allow for mourning and healing. To disallow critical burial practices is traumatizing, and a violation of Neba’s family’s religious liberties.
Neba was the first Black person to die in U.S. immigration custody, ever. USA Today explained the nightmare his family continues to live to this day, while a new piece from The Intercept outlined the conditions in Cameroon that forced him to flee.
What you can do:
- Share the article on social media. Use hashtags #JusticeForCameroon #WaiverFromICE #JusticeForAbienwi
- Sign and share the petition demanding #JusticeForAbienwi
Cameroon American Council is America’s leading African Immigrant Advocacy organization. Founded in 2010 with a mission to Build Capacity, Relevance and Visibility of Cameroonians/Africans at home and abroad. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook @CamAmerCouncil
The Interfaith Immigration Coalition is made up of 54 national, faith-based organizations brought together across many theological traditions with a common call to seek just policies that lift up the God-given dignity of every individual. In partnership, we work to protect the rights, dignity, and safety of all refugees and migrants. Follow us on Twitter @interfaithimm
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