Ending isolation by visiting and supporting people detained by ICE

Conversations with Friends (CWF) is a dedicated, humanitarian, all-volunteer, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose members write weekly pen-pal letters and send birthday cards and Sunshine Club cards to people detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in the Freeborn County Adult Detention Center (Albert Lea), Kandiyohi County Jail (Willmar), and Sherburne County Jail (Elk River). In addition, we make modest commissary deposits; we provide ‘Dignity’ backpacks for those who have been ordered deported; we provide Safe Release services to people who have been released and need assistance reaching their final destination; and we visit people detained by ICE at the Freeborn County Adult Detention Center. For more information, please see our Programs page.

Why do we do what we do?:

• To accompany people who came to the U.S. to escape violence in their home countries, to make a living and/or to have educational opportunities for their children, people who have lived in the U.S. for a median of fifteen years (per Pew Research Center, 6/12/19), working, having families, establishing roots in their communities who now face deportation and possible permanent separation from their spouse, children, other family members and friends.
• To be present to people who, after having lived in the U.S. for a median of fifteen years, face the likelihood of returning to a country they no longer know where they may encounter violence and/or rejection.
• To let them know that they are not abandoned, not alone.
• To let them know that members of the community, people who were at first total strangers, truly care about them, their health and their safety.
• To affirm their humanity and dignity, listening intently and respecting.
• To provide emotional support and compassion.
• To provide hope in the basic goodness of humanity.

Quotes from people with whom we’ve visited and corresponded:

• “The books, letters, post cards have really shown me there are special people out there in my life that I never expected to touch me in my life.”
• “I thank you and all the people God brought into my life. God bless you all. I will never, never forget and cherish every communication we have had by the Grace of God.”
• “We feel the encouragement you bring with your open hearts.”