My year in an ICE detention center | Grace James | TEDxUCincinnati

Key Concepts

• Asylum Seeker: An individual seeking international protection from persecution in their home country.
• ICE Detention Center: A facility operated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to detain individuals facing immigration proceedings.
• Credible Fear Interview: An initial interview to determine if an asylum seeker has a well-founded fear of persecution.
• Gratitude Journaling: The practice of regularly recording things one is thankful for.
• Resilience: The ability to recover quickly from difficulties.
• Perseverance: Continued effort to do or achieve something despite difficulties, failure, or opposition.

The Journey to Safety and Finding Strength in Detention

Iban Bless Mele, originally from Cameroon, shares his deeply personal story of seeking asylum in the United States, detailing the dangers he fled, the arduous journey, and his experiences within the U.S. immigration detention system. His narrative emphasizes the importance of resilience, gratitude, and finding purpose even in the most challenging circumstances.

The Crisis in Cameroon and the Decision to Flee

Iban’s story begins with the escalating violence in Cameroon over the past four to five years, characterized by widespread killings, including attacks on schools and children. He personally faced a life-threatening situation, forcing him to live in hiding in the forest for a period. This dire situation compelled him to seek safety abroad, ultimately leading him to undertake the perilous journey to the United States, leaving behind his two-year-old daughter. He explicitly states, “I left my country 3 years ago cuz my life was at stake. I was almost killed.”

The Perilous Journey and Initial Detention

The journey to the US was fraught with risk, involving passage through multiple countries, including Ecuador, and ultimately crossing the Mexican border. Upon arrival, he was immediately arrested by immigration authorities and placed in ICE detention. He recounts a period of significant distress and depression, compounded by the separation from his daughter. He was held for over a year while his asylum case was processed. He notes the misconception that crossing the border signifies the end of struggles, stating, “Crossing the border is just the beginning.”

Understanding the Asylum Process

Iban clarifies the definition of an “asylum seeker” – someone fleeing danger in their home country who must demonstrate a credible fear of persecution to initiate the asylum process. This involves an initial interview and, if deemed credible, a hearing before a judge to determine asylum eligibility. He highlights the societal misperceptions surrounding asylum seekers, noting the judgment and feelings of non-belonging they often experience.

Finding Strength and Purpose in Detention

Despite the harsh conditions of the detention center, Iban describes a surprising transformation. Initially feeling out of place, he eventually found ways to survive and even thrive. He emphasizes the strength and resilience of the women he met, whose stories reshaped his own self-perception. He states, “Being an asylum seeker is not just about hardship. It's about incredible perseverance, courage, and hope.” He acknowledges that while basic needs were met, the psychological toll of being “locked behind bar wire” was significant.

The Power of Gratitude and a Handmade Book

A pivotal moment occurred on July 29, 2016, when a fellow detainee gifted him a handmade book, encouraging him to use it as a journal. Despite the difficult circumstances – exhaustion, cold, hunger, and the constant sounds of despair – Iban began a daily gratitude practice, writing down things he was thankful for. He shares examples of his gratitude journal entries on screen. He describes this journal as a “lifeline,” helping him focus on the positive and maintain hope. He notes the irony of being asked why he always smiled, given the circumstances.

Education as Empowerment: Teaching English to Fellow Detainees

Prior to his detainment, Iban was a high school computer teacher. Recognizing the limited educational opportunities available to many of the women in the detention center – many of whom had never attended school due to circumstances like poverty or dangerous environments – he felt compelled to share his skills. He learned Spanish and began teaching basic English, eventually instructing nearly a quarter of the women in the facility. He emphasizes the transformative power of education, stating, “Education is a powerful tool, is a beacon of light in darkest of times.” He acknowledges his own imperfect English but highlights that his ability to read, write, and understand was sufficient to build meaningful connections and find purpose.

The Importance of Attitude and Resilience

Iban draws upon a quote by Charles R. Swindoll: “The most remarkable thing to have is to have a choice every day regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day.” He explains that while we cannot control external events, we can control our reactions to them. He believes that life is 10% what happens to us and 90% how we react. He connects this to the concept of resilience and the power of a positive attitude in overcoming adversity. He cites psychologist Robert Emmons’ research on gratitude, describing it as “fertilizer for the mind” that fosters connection and improves mental function.

Conclusion: Sharing Stories and Finding Strength in Community

Iban concludes by expressing gratitude to those who have supported him and for the opportunity to share his story. He emphasizes the importance of sharing experiences to foster understanding and empathy. He acknowledges the strength he found in community and the power of human connection in navigating difficult circumstances. His story serves as a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of seeking and offering support in the face of adversity.