It's safe to say that any mother with at least one empathetic bone in her body has been affected by the stories of children being ripped away from their family attempting to cross into the U.S. at the U.S.-Mexico border. Jennifer Lopez is no different and she used her platform to spread awareness about this devastating situation.
More from MamásLatinas: 38 Pics that prove Jennifer Lopez is all about her twins, Max & Emme
The entertainer asked her Instagram followers for help with a message that will bring you to tears.
J.Lo used the viral photo of a little girl crying in a pink jacket for her post.
The image was taken by award-winning photographer John Moore and he gave the UK Telegraph its backstory. John witnessed the terrible culmination of this child and her mother’s month-long journey from Honduras. The little girl started screaming when her mom was patted down by border agents. They were taken away to a processing center where they were most likely separated.
Jennifer spoke from her point of view as a mother and a Latina, asking her followers to get on the right side of history.
“Reading the news about the separation of children from their families, I can’t help but think about my own children,” she wrote. “I cannot fathom a world where they would be ripped from my arms, taken to a place no better than a prison far from home. I feel we will never forget this moment in time. Bearing witness to these atrocities and that’s what they are, I can say for sure, remaining silent is not an option. As a Latino, and as you know very well, a proud Bronx born Puerto Rican American, we and the people of all different races, roots, and culture have enriched this country. But the recent rhetoric and constant dismissal of what we bring to the table has to stop. This is about basic human rights and decency. If you care about children, have concern for the lack of transparency about this disastrous display, in full view to the world in general, I encourage you first to get caught up on the situation. Next, call your congressperson and demand an answer, but I also want you to remain hopeful—hold fast to hope, faith and Love. We first need to admit we have a problem before we can heal it. We cannot focus on the evil, we must push towards unity and get to a healing place. ITS ALL IN OUR HANDS. Supporting one another in these troubled times, we can remain on the right side of history: the side where children are safe and in their parents arms. Act now, call now, speak now, LOVE now. #familiesbelongtogether #lovenothate"
President Trump’s zero-tolerance immigration policy resulted in this human rights nightmare.
Every person who crosses into this country illegally (even if they are seeking asylum) will be arrested and prosecuted. If an adult enters with a child, they are forcibly separated. Kids are then sent to live in facilities that they aren’t allowed to leave and some even end up in foster care all over the country.
Since the policy went into effect in April, over 2,000 kids have been ripped from their families. Following days of global pressure, Trump signed an Executive Order which stopped the separation of families this week. However, this order does nothing for the children who are already in the system.
Some of the images that have surfaced of the children currently in captivity are beyond heartbreaking.
Many are living like caged animals and suffering traumas that will take years to undo. And as if that weren’t sad enough, some of these children will be lost in the system forever because of the gross negligence of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and other agencies responsible for their care.
Jennifer Lopez has every right to feel outraged and ask her followers to help fight for these children.
Their future depends on it. For more information on how you can help, click here.
