LYNN — Residents, advocates, and elected officials showed support for pregnant Lynn mother Silvia Hernandez after her husband Vinicio Hernandez was detained by ICE in July.
Hernandez is currently expecting her fifth child, and the “stress of her husband’s detention has put her health at risk,” according to New Lynn Coalition Executive Director Tanveer Malik. Doctors will be inducing labor for Hernandez several weeks early on Thursday to protect her and her baby’s health.
To show solidarity for Hernandez during this time, various Lynn community members and elected officials held a baby shower at 25 Exchange St. on Tuesday. Attendees filled the room with baby gifts, clothing, diapers, blankets, and toys to help Hernandez prepare for the early birth of her fifth child.
The baby shower was hosted by the New Lynn Coalition with support from Neighbor 2 Neighbor and the North Shore Labor Council Women’s Committee.
“Today’s gathering showed the strength and compassion of Lynn. The support from our city’s elected officials and the community sends a clear message that Lynn will not abandon its families. We stand together for justice, dignity, and the right of every family to be whole,” Malik said.
Hernandez expressed her gratitude for the outpouring of empathy at the baby shower.
“It’s not been easy, but I’ve seen this community’s heart. My husband is always saying how much he loves his family, and how much he misses his kids. Running the house without him is very hard. But this baby is going to be a sign of hope for everyone. I am going to keep fighting until the father of my children is home,” she said.
Originally from Guatemala, Hernandez has been in Lynn since 2011 and describes the city as a “beautiful community.”
“Lynn is where I made my family, and I am very proud of that. I have been very affected by the situation happening with immigration. Without him, it’s been a lot. These are people who just want to go to work, and it’s been very hard for the kids. They’re crying, asking where he is. And a lot of times, I don’t know what to say,” Hernandez said.
Mireille Mbuyi, whose son Emmanuel Kenga was detained by ICE last month, spoke about the pain of being separated from her family in the wake of the current administration.
“Too many of our children and families are being taken. I won’t just accept it. I will fight for my son with everything I have. We are not disposable. We are humans. We are done being quiet,” Mbuyi said.
Ward 4 Councilor Natasha Megie-Maddrey expressed her compassion regarding Hernandez’s situation.
“We are very sorry for what you are going through. As a mom as well, I can’t imagine how hard it must be to not have your husband here. Even though he might not be here, your community is here. We stand by you,” Megie-Maddrey said.
Meanwhile, Councilor-at-Large Nicole McClain condemned Vinicio’s detention.
“As the Council, we definitely stand against ICE in what it is doing in our neighborhoods by tearing our families apart. We will be here for (Hernandez) as much as we can,” McClain said.
Fellow Councilor-at-Large Brian LaPierre echoed this sentiment.
“What we are as a community is persistent. We are fighting alongside (Hernandez). This is supposed to be a wonderful, celebratory event, and here we are coming together under the cloud of ICE. What they have done to our community is an injustice. We are hoping for a safe return for your husband. He deserves that, and he deserves to see his newborn baby,” LaPierre said.
Mayor Jared Nicholson applauded Hernandez’s perseverance during her time of hardship.
“We admire your strength. We are grateful for the contributions that you offer to our community, and we stand with you,” Nicholson said.
