The Deportation of Christian M'Bagoyi

On May 2nd, I was witness to a rally in front of the ICE offices in Philadelphia protesting the impending deportation of Christian M’Bagoyi, a 42-year-old undocumented immigrant who had been living in the United States for over 20 years. M'Bagoyi's impending deportation was met with widespread protests and condemnation from his supporters. The hardest part for me was observing M'Bagoyi's wife, Sarika, and her two daughters, ages 5 and 7, knowing they were about to be left behind because of Christian’s impending deportation. The following day, on May 3rd, Christian was deported to West Africa. The family is now separated and facing an uncertain future.

Sheila Maddali supports Sarika Kumar M’Bagoyi (right) during the rally at the ICE office in Philadelphia. Sarika’s two daughters stand in the background.

The daughters of Christian and Sarika M’Bagoyi

Erika Guadalupe Nunez, executive director of Juntos and rally organizer, speaks in support of the M’Bagoyi family.

Helen Gym, Philadelphia mayor candidate speaking in support of Christian M’Bagoyi’s wife Sarika (middle).

Neighbors and friends attend and support the rally to comfort Sarika and her two daughters left behind by Christian’s impending deportation.