Kern Freedom Fund

The Kern Freedom Fund was initially started to prevent the transfer of detainees to remote locations, upon the expiration of Mesa Verde Detention Center’s contract with the City of McFarland.  However, a new private contract was secured instead, between the Department of Homeland Security and the GEO Group to run Mesa Verde detention facility. Therefore, the need to raise funds to help free our neighbors is more imminent than ever. 
 
Many of the people detained at Mesa Verde are asylum seekers, longtime lawful permanent residents, and undocumented immigrants; about 30 percent of them are residents of Kern.

These asylum seekers want the protection of our country, and many haven’t committed a crime. They came to the United States in pursuit of freedom, safety, and opportunity. Instead, they were thrown in prison. 

A judge granted bonds to more than 80 people at Mesa Verde because they are not a threat to society, but they can’t afford to pay because the bonds are too expensive. The bond amounts can range from $4,500 to $10,000, and even some as high as $30,000. The goal of Kern Freedom Fund is to raise money to pay the bond of those who cannot afford to do so. The time to act is NOW! The goal is to raise $319,000 by March 19th. We are trying to ensure that these individuals have access to legal support and that their due process rights are protected.

Thank you on behalf of our immigrant’s friends and neighbors for caring enough to support our cause!
Our neighbors deserve our help. Let’s show them the best of Kern County.