Local community members and faith leaders demand the release of a Minnesota woman

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) —  Local community and faith leaders are asking legislators to help secure the immediate release of a Minnesota woman who is being detained in Texas.

The group met Andrea Pedro-Francisco, a Burnsville resident, on a visit they made to a Texas detention center through the Border Immersion Program.

Andrea has lived in Minnesota for nearly seven years with a work permit, but was detained in early February.

She had been scheduled to go in for surgery to remove an ovarian cyst, but the detention made that impossible.

Those who met with Andrea said her case is an example of the failures of the current system.

“People are being locked up longer and indefinitely. Mass deportations violate human dignity. We need an immigration system that will balance border security and human dignity. We must and can do better,” said Nancy Farnham, Border Immersion participant.

The group is asking anyone who hears this story to contact their representatives, whoever they may be, to advocate for Andrea’s immediate release.