We were sad to have to cancel our trip because of concerns for our security and reentry to the U.S.
This is the letter we sent to our friends in El Ocotillo:
Dear Brothers and Sisters of El Ocotillo,
We hope this letter finds you all well! Here in our country, we are living through unique times after our most recent election. You are no doubt aware of the increased pressures and dangers that many Salvadorans in this country are facing with the daily threat of deportation. The current administration is taking steps to limit many civil rights and political opposition which parallels what has happened in El Salvador over the past few years. We are aware that social justice organizations we have worked with such as Cristosal and Fundahmer are increasingly being scrutinized by the Salvadoran government. The current U.S. government is also cutting off funds to many humanitarian organizations in El Salvador and around the world. The dynamic between our presidents and their plans for building prisons in El Salvador that could house U.S. citizens in the future, is particularly frightening.
Given this new reality, our church group is uncomfortable going to El Salvador this year. Under the Salvadoran “state of exception”, there is no guarantee of due process or judicial review. Sadly, we can no longer count on our own government officials to support us if we find ourselves in conflict with authorities in El Salvador. For instance, we have publicly supported Cristosal which makes us wonder if we could be a target since it has been repeatedly pressured and criticized by the current Salvadoran government. Two of those who were planning to travel are naturalized (not native-born) citizens and they are concerned about harassment when reentering the U.S. The current instability has understandably worried family members of the delegates.
We were very much looking forward to being with you this year. Our past visits have meant so much to us. We were excited to meet the new students and to congratulate the recent graduates in person. Our support for the scholarship program will of course continue uninterrupted. For the past 24 years, you have taught us lessons in faith and perseverance. We will not forget those now as we fight for our own democracy. God willing, we will return to you as soon as possible. We will keep you in our prayers and we ask that you pray for us as well.
With much affection,
Your brothers and sisters here at Church of the Good Shepherd in Acton, Massachusetts