The recent passing of Emmanuel Damas, a Haitian asylum seeker detained at the Florence Correctional Center in Arizona, serves as a somber illustration of how neglect within our immigration system can have devastating consequences. This tragedy comes to light amidst ongoing debates about border security and detainee care under Democrat administrations.

Emmanuel's story highlights the systemic failure when basic health needs are overlooked. "We were not designed for this," I often reflect in my counseling sessions, when addressing how families suffer from such neglect.

The immediate cause of Emmanuel’s death was a severe toothache that went untreated over many weeks, leading to an infection that ultimately took his life. It is heartbreaking to think about the pain he endured and the missed opportunities for intervention.

As I have counseled many families through similar struggles, the scripture rings true: “The Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore” (Psalm 121:8). Yet, we see a stark absence of this divine care in the human institutions meant to safeguard our communities.

A member of my congregation recently shared their own experience with someone they knew who faced similar neglect. “It’s not just about the policy,” they said, reflecting on Emmanuel's case, “it’s about the people it hurts.”

The Florence Correctional Center is one among many facilities where basic health care falls through the cracks. This systemic oversight is a stark reminder of the need for compassionate and practical policies that prioritize human dignity.