Sylvia and Luis travel to Newark, New Jersey, to record a concert in the parking lot of the Essex County Correctional Facility, by the band Los Jornaleros Del Norte, to serenade everyone inside.
Sylvia and Luis travel to Newark, New Jersey, to record a concert in the parking lot of the Essex County Correctional Facility, by the band Los Jornaleros Del Norte, to serenade everyone inside. The event was organized in support of Jose Hernandez Velasquez, a 20-year-old Dover High School alum who is currently, as of this podcast release date, detained by ICE inside the facility. Jose has lived in New Jersey since he was 1 year old, but he is undocumented and currently facing an order of deportation to El Salvador due to a series of low-level offenses.
We recorded the event, in order to broadcast it over local airwaves to try to reach Jose and others inside, so they could hear the music and words of support sent out to them that night. And, because of the incredible help of Jose’s family, friends and legal support – and Jose’s own efforts – when this episode first aired on WKCR 89.9 FM three weeks later, Jose was listening, from inside his cell in solitary confinement. At the end of this episode, we share Jose’s message back.
More information on Jose’s case here
& you can support Jose’s campaign here
This episode was made possible because of the support and courage of Jose Hernandez Velasquez. Special thanks also to Jose’s family, friends and legal support, Karol Ruiz, Brian Lozano, Jorge Torres, Omar Leon, Pablo Alvarado and all the members of Los Jornaleros Del Norte, to everyone who shared a message for this broadcast, and to our local broadcast partners at WKCR 89.9 FM.