Hudson Valley nonprofit helps children visit their fathers in ICE custody
By: News 12 Staff Dec 21, 2018, 3:44am Updated on: Dec 21, 2018
A local nonprofit is allowing several children to see their fathers who are in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement for Christmas.
Jozelyn Zhinin, 8, of Peekskill got the chance to see her father Manuel last weekend, flying to Alabama to have her holiday wish granted.
As News 12 reported, Manuel was detained by immigration officers a year ago after living in New York for 15 years undocumented.
Immigration advocates from the Hudson Valley Community Coalition raised $6,000 to take Jozelyn and three other children to visit their fathers in custody. The group is
still trying to raise $3,000 more.Though it was just a temporary visit, the coalition hopes it provided some holiday joy. They also hope for immigration reform in order to provide more permanent relief for those affected.