Week 3: Bearing Witness

This week, my experiences at GAIN moved beyond the office walls — and deepened my understanding of just how personal and urgent this work is.

I had the opportunity to visit the Stewart Detention Center with one of GAIN’s attorneys. We met with a longstanding client who has been in detention for a year, and also conducted intakes for four potential new clients. I even had the chance to interpret for one individual – an experience that, as the child of Chinese immigrants, really resonated with me. It made me reflect on how my own family’s immigration story, through education and professional paths, differs so drastically from the journeys of those we met that day.

Meeting GAIN’s longstanding client was especially moving. Despite the hardship and uncertainty she continues to face, her resilience and optimism were remarkable. I’ll never forget her sharing how she makes makeup from Vaseline and crayons to pass time and maintain a sense of self – a small act of joy and agency in incredibly difficult circumstances.

I also accompanied attorneys to an ICE check-in, which underscored just how precarious these moments can be. The fear in the community is real – with reports of people being detained during routine check-ins or outside courthouses – and it was powerful to stand in solidarity with clients during such a vulnerable process.

This week reminded me that behind every legal document is a human story, one of resilience, strength, and courage. I feel incredibly grateful to be part of this work and to continue learning from GAIN’s clients and staff this summer.