In a poignant video titled “My Name Is Elena,” actress Sarah Thompson has crafted a heartfelt portrayal of a mother from Honduras who fled her country to secure a safer future for her young son in the United States. After applying for asylum, she and her child were tragically torn apart at the border. The emotional gravity of her sworn statement, read by a number of well-known celebrities, is deeply moving.
Thompson’s project was developed in conjunction with the ACLU, showcasing an array of celebrities including Chris Evans, Tiffany Haddish, Mahershala Ali, and Jessica Lange. Their collective voices narrate the distressing story of Elena, a mother whose 18-month-old son was taken from her at the Texas border.
Elena’s Heartbreaking Journey
In her letter, Elena recounts fleeing her home in Honduras after facing violent government action. She was looking for “protection from government violence” when she crossed into Texas earlier this year. “On March 5, 2018, my son and I walked across the international bridge in Laredo, Texas, and presented ourselves to US immigration officers,” she wrote, emphasizing that her son is her sole child.
To her shock, Elena was informed that her son would be taken away. “The US immigration officers told me they were separating us, stating he would go to one location while I would be sent to another. When I asked why, they offered no explanation,” she recounted. She never anticipated that seeking asylum would lead to such a painful separation.
The Separation
Elena vividly describes the moment they were separated: “The officers made me walk out with my son to a government vehicle and place him in a car seat. He was crying as I secured him in. I couldn’t comfort him because they closed the door immediately.” Subsequently, she learned he was placed in a federally-sponsored foster home in Austin while she was detained at the Port Isabel Detention Center in Los Fresnos, Texas.
During their time apart, a caseworker relayed updates about her son, informing her that he cried for her constantly and longed to be reunited. The separation took a toll on Elena, leaving her despondent and without an appetite. Over time, her son’s tears lessened, but he faced health challenges. “The caseworker mentioned my son had an ear infection and a cough. I need to hold him and assure him that he is safe and that I’m here for him,” she expressed.
Reunion and Reflection
In an essay published by a prominent outlet, Elena shared the joyful news of her reunion with her son on May 15th—two months and 11 days after their separation. “Holding him again was a joy beyond words. I couldn’t stop kissing him. Throughout our separation, he was the reason I persevered, and finally, he was back in my arms,” she wrote.
Elena’s experience highlights the painful reality faced by many asylum-seeking parents who are separated from their young children for seemingly no justifiable reason. She reflects on the other families still waiting to be reunited, praying for their strength and for compassionate individuals to support them, similar to how fellow detainees aided her.
How to Help
If you’re interested in supporting families affected by these separations, the ACLU offers several ways to take action. For more information on pregnancy and family-building options, you can check out this resource, and for insights on home insemination, visit this blog post.
In summary, the emotional narrative shared by Elena through the platform created by Sarah Thompson serves as a testament to the struggles faced by families at the border. Her story is a call to action to ensure that such heartbreaking separations are addressed compassionately.