Free Jose!

“I’m Jose Juan Valencia Mata, I’m 42 years old. I immigrated from Veracruz, Mexico 25 years ago. I was living in Oregon with my family. They arrested me on April 24th, 2024 due to me simply telling them that I was not the person they had on the arrest order. From there they threw me into their car and hurt my shoulder, which to this day I still haven’t received the appropriate operation I need for it. The doctor, in May/June tells me nothing is wrong with my shoulder, he makes fun of me. He tells me I’m lying. In April/May, an ICE official tells me “Take off that thing (sling) and stop lying about your shoulder, or else I’ll deport you on the next plane”. After that, they did finally send me to therapy. During the transports to therapy, ICE officials shackled my feet. I asked them why it had to be so tight. They told me it was because we are criminals, that we don’t deserve to be comfortable. So they took me to every therapy session like that, shackled. I have scars on my feet. I made a complaint here at the detention center, they tell me it is unfounded. I sent them another, and they say I’m lying. All they say they’re going to do is educate the ICE officials because they saw on the cameras that they didn’t put on my seat belt. They want to take away our mattresses, and leave us with just one uncomfortable metal box spring, it’s very uncomfortable. Now they’re limiting our tv time, even though it wouldn’t bother anyone if we watch tv. I don’t know what’s happening. My wife is battling. My daughter is struggling a lot in school because her classmates make fun of her. She was on the bus with her friends when I got detained, they saw everything. I need help please, so then I can help my family.”