Press Releases
Globe article highlights injustice of program
July 3, 2011
“The story published in today’s Boston Globe only underscores what community activists have been saying over and over again: Secure communities does not work and does not make our communities safer. On the contrary, it breaks up families and communities and undermines people’s trust in the authorities. We believe one of the best ways to prevent violent crimes is to make people confident that they can go to the authorities. They should never fear authorities more than they fear their tormentor,” said the Brazilian Women’s Group Executive-Director Heloisa Maria Galvão.
She was commenting on an article published this morning by the Boston Globe which reports on three Brazilians with no criminal records who were turned over to ICE for deportation after being stopped by Boston police for traffic violations. “We praise commissioner Edward Davis (Chief of Police in Boston) for admitting that if this is what is happening, the program should be reviewed and ended. Our heart goes out to Lindomar da Silva, Lizandra deMoura, and Leonardo Machado for their courage and what they and their families have been through. We hope local authorities take a close look at these cases and question whether the Secure Communities Program really reflects its priorities and its values. The BWG encourages other people with similar cases to come forward and tell their stories.”
To contact the Brazilian Women’s Group call 617-787-0557 ext 15 or email mulherbrasileira@verdeamarelo.org.
Click here to read the article on the Boston Globe.