About VIVA – Oregonviva

VIVA Inclusive Migrant Network is a non-profit organization founded by Francisco Aguirre in memory of his Son Denis Moises, after the Enforcement and Removal Operation (ERO) agents tried to detain him without a legal warrant for his arrest. While Francisco was fighting for his freedom, his son Moises became scared and decided to go back to El Salvador, where he was murdered. ERO has brought fear to our communities and put our people in danger with their aggressive tactics. After his son’s death, Francisco decided to transform all the pain that this tragedy brought him to a labor of love, and he put all his energy into a project that can help our community. That is when VIVA was created, with the purpose of supporting our communities and uniting our people, working toward freedom, always through non-violent methods and promoting peace. We thank you Augustana Lutheran Church in Portland for their incredible support giving to and became the fiscal sponsor of VIVA Inclusive Migrant Network.

Denis Moises was murdered in El Salvador

Moises was murdered in El Salvador after the ICE-ERO and DHS tried to put his father in federal prison for more than 20 years. Moises got scared and decide to go back to El Salvador. He was playing soccer when two men called him by his last name, and when he answered they shot him to death. The ERO agency is not helpful to anyone in this country. It only brings hate and insecurity to our communities. It creates generational trauma. Many minors are getting killed after ERO detention and deportation. For many youths, like Moises, returning to their country is a death sentence. ICE-ERO must disappear from our communities.

FRANCISCO’S MESSAGE:

The love that God has shown me is an unbreakable love. Since God gave me a reason to be, I learned to fight for the truth and freedom of our people, with love, respect and equality. My struggle is the struggle of the people who suffer like many migrants and refugees. I will continue to transform my pain into a love for equality and social justice. In honor of Moises, my son I will continue to fight for justice to be restored in this country, and until the immigration authorities stop putting our kids in cages, parents in federal prison, and putting our communities in danger. Until they stop criminalizing our migrants and asylum seekers, I will continue to fight. I want the rest of the days of my life to be dedicated to the freedom for our people, regardless of skin color or nationality. Freedom from violence and fear is for everyone. We must share it, we must unite together, without grudges, and forgive misunderstandings among each other, accepting our mistakes and giving the opportunity to amend those mistakes without retaliation. I want to invite everyone to join the fight with VIVA. With your help, we can achieve that freedom. We are committed to standing up to defend migrant and refugee rights in memory of all children, mothers, and fathers who lost their lives in the desert, at the border, fleeing their home country, and trying to find a safe place to live.

Francisco's situation could end up like that of many who have faced danger if sent back. If he’s deported to El Salvador, Francisco could face serious threats to his life. Let’s stand with him as he navigates his immigration case process. By donating to his campaign, Volunteering and following his journey, we can help make a real difference for those seeking safety and a brighter future. #UnitedWithFrancisco