To the Editor:
The article in Sunday’s Post-Standard about Rick Reina and Jeremy Dottin-Reina’s harrowing situation and Jeremy’s narrow escape from ICE brought me to tears. (“When ICE came for Jeremy, Syracuse’s underground railroad helped him escape the country,” Nov. 14, 2025).
As a white, cisgendered, older generation, Christian and citizen, I am appalled and deeply ashamed of our federal government. In contrast, I am proud once again of the Syracuse community’s willingness to jump into the breach to do justice! Thank God that friends, social activists, local politicians and Canadian officials all came together to facilitate his rescue.
» Opposing view: Reactions to ‘When ICE came for Jeremy’: Staying on expired visa has consequences (Your Letters)
While out of town over the weekend, I listened to a story on NPR about an undocumented father who was forced to self-deport and break up his family, and I started reading Jenna Blum’s novel, “Those Who Save Us,” set in Nazi Germany. Sunday’s article literally brought home to me the persecution and hurt in all these situations.
Thank you for sharing this couple’s story in the Post-Standard. Thank you for giving Rick Reina the opportunity to speak out for those who are even more vulnerable and do not have their connections and resources.
I have always looked forward to shopping at Syracuse Soap. The shop and Rick and Jeremy’s presence exude an aura of gentleness and goodwill, not to overlook the wonderful soap and locally created products offered there. I will greatly miss those visits and the store, as will the greater Syracuse community. But I applaud Rick and Jeremy’s commitment to one another and wish them both all the best in France.
Deb Gibson-Jaworski
Marcellus
