PHOTO: http://grassrootsleadership.org
As we go to press Laura Monterrosa was released from detention March 16. Her release is the result of a months long campaign that drew support from around the country.
AUSTIN —I was at the T. Don Hutto Detention Center on Saturday to support Laura Monterrosa. She is a 23-year-old asylum-seeker from El Salvador,
Today’s group was organized by Workers Defense Project (PDL). Grassroots Leadership is the main organizer, but they’ve been coming every day for about 2 weeks and needed a break.
At least by going in to visit her, it gave her support and kept her out of solitary, where they have been punishing her for speaking up about her abuse!
I sat with her. She’s in her early 20s and is a lesbian who had been sexually assaulted by a female guard. A little different situation, but sexual assault is sexual assault and so are harassment, intimidation and threats.
I realized she didn’t really speak English and I know only a few words of Spanish. I tried to ask how she had been feeling. She spelled out on the chair the word “dead.” She had cut her wrist. I said, “So sad.”
She said, “No más, no más, no más,” meaning she wouldn’t do that any more. I tried to tell her “muchas personas” know her story. I told her she was strong. I pointed to her and then raised my arms like I was flexing them to look strong.
She didn’t seem to believe it, but she is. — Karel Riley, Texas
