Justice for Larry Nicolas!
Larry Nicolas, a beloved father and son, has been a legal and permanent resident of Washington County for 17 years. On August 16, 2018, he was secretly and swiftly detained by ICE upon his release from Washington County jail. The incidents that led first to Larry’s incarceration then detention are ones precipitated by the intersecting criminalization of mental health disorders and of immigrants.
All funds raised will be used for Larry's legal defense, in order to reunite him with his family and prevent his unjust deportation. In the words of Larry's 14-year-old daughter Jy'Violette, "He is a very valuable member of the community because everything and anything would be different without him. It just would not be like home anymore. It would be a very foreign place to my family and me. Your Honor I am asking you with all my heart please do not deport my father. He means the world to me."
Join us in demanding justice for Larry Nicolas!
More on Larry's Story:
Larry immigrated to the United States in his teenage years, petitioned by his Lolo (grandpa). He obtained permanent residency during high school. Although Larry was unable to complete high school, he has maintained work in skilled labor jobs, providing support for his daughter and meeting basic needs.
Larry has lifelong struggles with mental health. During a period of mental instability, he had a conflict with a family member who filed a restraining order. This conflict resulted in his arrest and incarceration. While incarcerated, Larry was diagnosed with schizophrenia.
After getting access to mental healthcare and psychiatric medication, Larry's mental health symptoms improved. The restraining order against him was dropped. His family no longer feels that his mental health symptoms are a threat to them. Larry's parents, former partner, and daughter are his number one advocates to keep him here in the US.
On his release date in August 2018, Larry’s mother was given no transparency regarding his release from Washington County. When she asked repeatedly what time she could pick him up, she was told “no need” without explanation. Soon after, Larry called to inform her he was being detained by ICE at Tacoma Detention Center.
Larry’s experience is not uncommon and is a testament to how the intersection of mental health and immigration has a negative impact on members of our community. Immigrants are not criminals and should not be separated from their families. Immigrants have a right to mental health care. Immigrants should be free to live under a fair and just society. Families belong together.
Help us obtain legal aid for this case and build morale support for the Nicolas Family by donating anything you can.
On behalf of,
The Portland Committee For Human Rights in the Philippines - an organization of immigrant youth, students, professionals, workers and allies working together in solidarity to advance in the national democratic movement in the Philippines, in the United States through education, leadership development and political action.
http://www.portlandchrp.com
Migrante Portland Organizing Committee - an organization fighting for migrants’ rights and dignity against all forms of discrimination, exploitation and abuse in the work place and in the community and resist all anti-migrant policies!
