Dear Lorraine,

I hope this letter reaches you the same way it left me, in good cheer and health. Things are hectic around these parts, especially since Donald Trump lost the election. The officers are basically retaliating against us because a majority of the guys preferred Joe Biden’s type of government…well at least the type he promises. 

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Question: How do you feel about the vaccine and will you get vaccinated? 

I was excited about the breakthrough at first, but then all this jailhouse/prison propaganda started spreading about people falling out and dying minutes or even days after taking the shot. To make shit worst, you got these officers spreading fake news about the negative effects of the vaccine. They don’t care about us in the first place; therefore, I don’t know why these guys be repeating the bullshit in turn giving life to misinformation. My parents said I should take it, but I’m not too sure. I feel like it’s probably best if I do. As of right now, I ‘m still not too convinced. What do you think about that?

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This is not the first time this has happened, only this time it feels more damaging. I can’t go back to Jamaica like this, Lorraine…I don’t have nothing to show that I’ve been productive in my life, and that’s not a good look. FYI, no one in Jamaica with a productive mind like a deportee. That’s all they’re gonna see me as if I don’t have nothing in terms of wealth.  I’m afraid.

Sometimes I think about doing something crazy in here just so I don’t have to leave prison if it means getting deported. As unreasonable as it may seem, the thought has crossed my mind. I wrote the consulate general of Jamaica for this area right before I drafted this letter in hopes of receiving good news about my status. I hate this feeling. The feeling of not knowing what’s ahead. I know it can be worse than this, but still, I hate it. 

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They treat them worse than us, Lorri.  It’s a shame ain’t it? It’s been reported about port-a-potties or toilets filled with feces, lack of feminine hygiene products like pads and tampons, overcrowded camp cages filled with kids, lack of proper food, and all sorts of human rights violations according to the “Nelson Mandela” rules, which are recognized by the constitutions of the world (PARC).  Maybe I shouldn’t be so selfish as I think about the difficulties I am facing? I will now appreciate the good in my life. Also, I will pray for the reuniting of families and kids separated at the Mexican border. I feel sorry for the thousands that will never be found by loved ones. We need to find a way to keep them on the public’s mind as a reminder of what this country’s made of: diversity.