In the heart of Georgia, the Stewart Detention Center stands as a stark reminder of the struggles faced by immigrants in the United States. Among its inhabitants is Pauline Nadege Binam, a 36-year-old queer Cameroonian immigrant and mother of a U.S. citizen teenager. Her story, brought to light by advocates, paints a vivid picture of the harsh realities within the facility.
Binam’s journey is one of resilience and fear, as she navigates the complexities of immigration detention. Her advocates describe her as exhausted yet determined, holding onto hope amidst the bleak surroundings. This is her story, a glimpse into the life of one of the many individuals caught in the crosshairs of immigration policies.
Visits and Barriers
When advocates Noël Heatherland and Timoria McQueen Saba visited Binam at the Stewart Detention Center, they found her in a state of exhaustion. The visit, which took place through a glass partition and telephone receivers, lasted about 40 minutes—a significant reduction from the allotted hour due to stringent security procedures.
The barriers to visitation were evident from the start. Bentley Hudgins, a Georgia House candidate, was turned away because of an expired driver’s license. The CoreCivic-operated facility’s rules require a valid photo ID, and visitors must leave personal belongings in their vehicles. These restrictions underscore the challenges faced by those trying to connect with detainees.
Despite the obstacles, Binam expressed gratitude for the visit. Knowing that people outside the detention center had not forgotten her gave her hope. “She said it gives her hope to know that she’s not alone,” Heatherland shared.
The Bleak Environment of Stewart Detention Center
The Stewart Detention Center, located in Lumpkin, Georgia, is described as a bleak environment from the moment one approaches its gates. Hudgins, who was unable to complete the visit, described the facility as enveloped in a “feeling of darkness.” This atmosphere is a stark contrast to the support and community that Binam and other detainees seek.
Inside the facility, Binam has found solace in reading, consuming almost one book a day to pass the time. She has formed friendships with other detainees, including another Cameroonian woman. However, the separation from her family and the uncertainty about her future weigh heavily on her.
Binam’s fear of seeking medical care within the facility stems from a traumatic experience during an earlier detention at the Irwin County Detention Center. In, she consented to a routine gynecological procedure but awoke to learn that a doctor had removed one of her fallopian tubes. This incident, documented in medical records, highlights the broader issues of medical mistrust and abuse within immigration detention facilities.
The Fight for Freedom and Safety
Binam’s supporters are actively advocating for her release, citing the potential dangers she faces if deported to Cameroon. The country criminalizes consensual same-sex relationships, putting Binam at significant risk. An online petition with over 730 signatories calls for her release, emphasizing the harm she has already endured while in ICE custody.
Amilcar Valencia, Executive Director of El Rufugio, stated, “Pauline was mutilated while in ICE custody. That harm happened under the government’s watch and responsibility, and instead of accountability, Pauline has been returned to detention.” This statement underscores the broader systemic issues within the immigration detention system.
Binam’s immigration history includes a North Carolina conviction for possession of stolen goods, which a federal court found made her ineligible for cancellation of removal. However, her supporters are pursuing other avenues for relief, hoping to secure her freedom and reunite her with her daughter.
As Binam continues to navigate the complexities of immigration detention, her story serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of these policies. Her resilience and the support of her advocates highlight the ongoing struggle for justice and dignity within the immigration system.
