Grannies Respond! Caravan speaks out against separation of children

Latest

Grandmothers and their allies feel it is morally corrupt to separate children from their families. They caravanned to the US-Mexico border to make their voices heard.
PHOTO/GRANNIES RESPOND/ABUELAS RESPONDEN

 
Editor’s note: Grannies Respond/Abuelas Responden is a movement of grandmothers and their allies spurred to action by the humanitarian crisis unfolding on the southern border. Below is their press release about a recent protest action they organized. — The editors
“I’m a member of Grannies Respond because I believe it is morally corrupt to separate children from their families,” says Rafiah Jones, a grandmother from Washington D.C. “Our legislation should uphold, not uproot, our morality.”
This is the inspiring story about a group of unlikely activists—a group of “grannies”—who are putting their bodies on the line and their lives on hold to stop the Trump Administration’s harsh treatment of migrating children and families.
We’re a group of 30 (and growing) grandparents who are heartbroken and outraged at the inhumane treatment of migrating children and families. At a time when so many are upset but don’t know what to do, we grannies are stepping forward with a powerful message of compassion for all children, regardless of nationality or immigration status.
On July 31, we’re setting out on a six-day caravan from New York City to the U.S.-Mexico border in Texas in order to speak out against this injustice. Our road trip will stop at ICE Detention facilities and other key locations along the way to hold rallies, sing songs, and offer a message of compassion while demanding the reunification and release of detained kids and families. These cities include Reading, PA, Pittsburgh, PA, Louisville, KY, Montgomery, AL, New Orleans, LA, and Houston, TX. We hope that people in each city will join us in the streets, and that others will be inspired to start caravans of their own to ride along with us.
“I have a responsibility to fight for the future of all those impacted, including my own children and my granddaughter,” says Tina Bernstein, a grandmother from Beacon, NY. “I’m joining this caravan because I want to connect with other people who are concerned around the country and say ‘no,’ this is not just.”
Contacts: Website: GranniesRespond.org; Facebook: /granniesrespond Twitter: @GranniesRespond; Instagram: @GranniesRespond, Email: GranniesRespond@gmail.com

+ Articles by this author

The People’s Tribune opens its pages to voices of the movement for change. Our articles are written by individuals or organizations, along with our own reporting. Bylined articles reflect the views of the authors. Articles entitled “From the Editors” reflect the views of the editorial board. Please credit the source when sharing: peoplestribune.orgPlease donate to help us keep bringing you voices of the movement for change. Click here. We’re all volunteer, no paid staff. The People’s Tribune is a 501C4 organization.

Featured

Dolly Parton: More Than a Legend

Dolly Parton never had to stop being Appalachian to become an international icon, or pretend poverty didn't shape her, or that the mountains were something she had escaped. She simply took what she learned there and carried it farther.

In Memory of Tenant Leader Annie Chambers, Longtime Advocate For Baltimore’s Poor

Reverend Annie Chambers leaves behind an unparalleled legacy of grassroots activism and unconditional love for her people, her family, her community and all those that struggle to survive.

Pearson’s TN Win Rebukes Corporate Dems & Attack on Voting Rights

The decisive victory of Justin Pearson in the Tennessee Democratic congressional primary marked a rebuke of both the corporate Democrats and the attack on the Voting Rights Act.

Citizens United Takes a Hit in Michigan Primary

In electing Abdul El-Sayed, voters rejected money in politics, defeating the pro-Israel and corporate funded campaign of his opponent in the amount of $70 million, making it among the most ever spent in a Democratic Party primary!

Death Toll Expected to Rise: Justice for Those in Detention

Detainees in ICE detention are pleading for help due to inhumane conditions. Now, as of August 4, 2026, at least 24 detainees have died in custody this year alone.

More from the People's Tribune