Telling their stories: 'Dignity Not Detention' delves into the plight of immigrants in New Mexico

Around 2,000 immigrants are held in detention centers in New Mexico.

The majority of them don’t have a voice.

This is the reason JC Ramirez began the call to action with the short film, “Dignity Not Detention.”

“The idea started with the New Mexico Immigration Law Center,” Ramirez says. “I was offered this opportunity to be able to share stories of other immigrants. Through this project, we were able to reach a wider audience.”

Telling their stories: 'Dignity Not Detention' delves into the plight of immigrants in New Mexico

“Dignity Not Detention” was shown at the Roundhouse during this year’s Legislative session.

Ramirez says the short film delves deep into the harrowing experiences of refugees who find themselves unjustly incarcerated in the United States.

New Mexico has three immigrant detention centers – one each in Torrance, Otero and Cibola counties.

According to the NMILC, all three detention centers have been cited for human rights violations.

Ramirez is the founder of Momentos Studios, which is a community-first creative organization and is collaborating with the NMILC using artivism to shine a light on the invisible victims of inhumane policies and practices.

The two organizations played a vital role in influencing Senate Bill 172,or the “Dignity Not Detention” bill in 2023, to fight against inhumane immigration detention centers.

They showcased a series of four art pieces commissioned by immigrant youth, bringing their stories to life.

Ramirez also created an immersive augmented reality experience that transformed the immigrant youth into superheroes and told their story through comics.

“As an immigrant myself, I’m blown away by the entire process,” Ramirez says. “I wanted to create pieces of art so that we can make change. I’ve been through the process and it’s difficult. There needs to be education about it and there needs to be advocacy for others.”

“Dignity Not Detention” uncovers the grim reality of inhumane living conditions faced by these individuals in detention centers, operated by private prisons in collaboration with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

“The narrative is woven through the perspectives of several refugees, each representing a different nationality and backstory, yet united in their struggle for freedom and dignity,” he says. “The documentary highlights their daily challenges, including lack of adequate medical care, overcrowding and mental strain, revealing a system rife with neglect and abuse.”

Ramirez says parallel to the refugees’ stories, the film explores the profound emotional and psychological impact on their families.

There are interviews with family members that portray a spectrum of despair, hope and resilience, shedding light on the often-overlooked collateral damage of such policies.

Ramirez says the biggest obstacle in getting the short film made is the lack of exposure.

“People have it in their hearts to help other people,” he says. “I think being able to present harsh stories is important. Most people don’t go out of their way to find and listen to these stories. We’re trying to bring the stories to the masses so that change can be made.”

Ramirez says getting movement in the legislature is also important because it helps send a message.

“It’s an important issue and we shouldn’t back down from it,” he says.

Ramirez says the two projects were very ambitious because there was a time crunch.

“We never try to cut off stories,” he says. “We try to focus on the people and what they’ve been through. It doesn’t feel like work. Whether it’s visiting the detention centers or the refugees, each story is a piece of the puzzle.”

Ramirez says as the documentary progresses, it also introduces viewers to a network of activists, lawyers and humanitarian organizations dedicated to ending the collaboration between ICE and private prisons.

These advocates share insights into their tireless efforts to reform the system, protect human rights, and provide support to the affected families.

“ ‘Dignity Not Detention’ is not just a documentary; it’s a call to action. It urges viewers to acknowledge the plight of these invisible victims and to consider the broader implications of immigration policies and practices,” Ramirez says. “The film concludes with a powerful message of hope and solidarity, emphasizing the need for compassion and change in how refugees and asylum seekers are treated.”