US Africa Institute

08/18/2026

It is with profound sadness and deep concern that U.S. Africa Institute announces the deportation of our community member, Ms. Mayeni Sylla, despite weekss of advocacy and repeated humanitarian appeals on her behalf since she was detained by ICE.
Ms. Sylla is a 46-year-old mother of four U.S. citizen children, ages 21, 18, 16, and 12. Her deportation has left her children without their mother and has caused immeasurable emotional hardship for the entire family.
From the moment Ms. Sylla was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), U.S. Africa Institute mobilized every resource within our capacity to support her and her family. Our staff, board and volunteers regularly visited her at the immigration detention facility, advocated directly with ICE officials, and worked tirelessly to connect her with experienced pro bono immigration attorneys. We also submitted repeated humanitarian appeals to the local ICE Field Office, the detention facility management, and the Department of Homeland Security, urging her release based on her family circumstances and serious medical conditions.

While in immigration detention, Ms. Sylla suffered from high blood pressure, iron deficiency, and a seizure disorder. We repeatedly emphasized that her continued detention posed significant risks to her health and well-being and that separating a mother from her four American children was contrary to basic humanitarian principles.

Despite these efforts, ICE proceeded with her deportation.

Even more troubling, Ms. Sylla, originally from Guinea-Conakry, was deported to Ghana, a country where she has no family, no support system, and no prior ties. She now faces the uncertainty of rebuilding her life in a place that is entirely unfamiliar while remaining separated from her children in the United States.
This outcome is heartbreaking—not only for Ms. Sylla and her family but also for our broader immigrant community. It is a painful reminder of the devastating human consequences that immigration enforcement policies can have on families, especially U.S. citizen children who bear the emotional and psychological burden of losing a parent.

Although this chapter has ended in tragedy, U.S. Africa Institute remains steadfast in its mission. We will continue advocating for immigrant families, connecting community members with legal resources, educating individuals about their rights, and working alongside partners to pursue humane and just immigration policies.

We are grateful to our pro bono attorneys, advocates, community organizations, faith leaders, elected officials, and volunteers who stood with Ms. Sylla throughout this difficult journey. While we could not prevent her deportation, your compassion and commitment demonstrated the strength and resilience of our community.

We ask our supporters to keep Ms. Sylla and her four children in their thoughts and prayers as they navigate this painful separation. U.S. Africa Institute remains committed to ensuring that no family has to face these challenges alone.

07/14/2026

🚨 Urgent Community Meeting 🚨

Join our Public Phone Campaign to help stop the deportation of our beloved community member, Mayeni Sylla.

Mayeni is a devoted mother of four U.S. citizen children and has called Austin home for more than 22 years. She is currently being detained by ICE at the South Texas Detention Complex. A cherished member of our community, Mayeni now needs us to stand together and advocate for her release and the opportunity to remain with her family.

Date: July 14
Time: 2:00 PM CST
Location: Zoom
U.S. Africa Institute is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: Urgent Community Meeting - Public Phone Campaign to Urge ICE to Release a Beloved Community member and a Mother of 4 US Citizens
Time: Jul 14, 2026 02:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88986286237?pwd=OSzbimC84lnC1qC1kc4vwb8bnBXuT4.1

Meeting ID: 889 8628 6237
Passcode: 177264

Your voice can make a difference. Please join us as we come together to support Mayeni, protect her family, and demonstrate the strength of our community.

07/09/2026

U.S. Africa Institute is deeply alarmed by the detention of Mayeni Sylla, a 46-year-old mother of four U.S. citizen children, who was taken into ICE custody yesterday while traveling to work. Ms. Sylla has lived in the U.S. for more than two decades and is the mother of four U.S. citizen children, ages 21, 18, 16, and 12. Her detention has caused tremendous fear and uncertainty for her family and the broader immigrant community.

We are especially concerned about Ms. Sylla's serious medical conditions, including high blood pressure, iron deficiency, and a seizure disorder. Continued detention places her health and well-being at significant risk and raises urgent humanitarian concerns.

No child should have to fear losing a parent on the way to work. Families belong together, and immigration enforcement should never disregard the human consequences of separating parents from their children.
U.S. Africa Institute calls on U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to immediately exercise prosecutorial discretion and release Ms. Sylla while her case is reviewed. We also urge that she receive prompt access to appropriate medical care and legal counsel.

We call upon members of congress, faith leaders, civil rights organizations, and community advocates to urgently intervene and advocate for Ms. Sylla's humanitarian release.

We further appeal to immigration attorneys and legal service organizations to assist Ms. Sylla and her family during this critical time by contacting us. U.S. Africa Institute remains committed to standing with immigrant families and advocating for policies that uphold due process, family unity, human dignity, and compassion.

07/08/2026

At 250 years old, the US must continue to refine the message it sends abroad—including to Africa

“The most effective US engagement abroad has never come from governments alone. It has come from people.”

By Dr. Deneyse A. Kirkpatrick!

US influence depends on more than military power, aid budgets, or diplomatic statements. It depends on the credibility of its democracy.

06/30/2026

U.S. Africa Institure, Los Angeles Trade-Technical College and community organizations were recognized for their coand services to the African and Carribean immigrant communities! U.S. Africa Institute is grateful to State Senator Lola Smallwood-Cuevas, who presented Certificates of Recognition honoring Los Angeles Trade–Technical College and several community organizations for their leadership and dedicated service to Black immigrant communities throughout Los Angeles. This recognition highlights the vital role that community organizations play in advancing educational access, civic engagement, and economic opportunity. We are equally grateful to Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove, who presented a Certificate of Congressional Recognition to Los Angeles Trade–Technical College in acknowledgment of its historic Black Serving Institution designation and its ongoing commitment to educational excellence and equity.

Throughout the celebration, students, faculty, community organizations, and local leaders reflected on the significance of Africa Day while celebrating the rich cultural heritage, resilience, and contributions of African and African diaspora communities. The event served as a powerful reminder that educational institutions, government leaders, diplomatic missions, and community organizations can work together to build stronger, more inclusive communities where every student has the opportunity to thrive.

U.S. Africa Institute remains committed to expanding partnerships with colleges, universities, elected officials, diplomatic missions, and community organizations to advance educational equity, support Black immigrant communities, strengthen international collaboration, and create pathways for future generations of students and leaders.

We thank everyone who joined us in making this celebration a tremendous success and look forward to continuing this important work together

06/30/2026

U.S. Africa Institute and Los Angeles Trade–Technical College Celebrate Africa Day, Black Serving Institution Designation, and the South LA Black Cultural District

Students, faculty, diplomats, elected officials, and community leaders unite to celebrate African heritage, educational excellence, and community empowerment.

U.S. Africa Institute, in partnership with Los Angeles Trade–Technical College (LATTC), proudly welcomed students, faculty, staff, diplomatic representatives, elected officials, and community members for a memorable Africa Day Celebration at LATTC. The event marked three historic milestones: the global celebration of Africa Day, LATTC's designation as a Black Serving Institution (BSI), and the continued advancement of the South Los Angeles Black Cultural District initiative.

The celebration brought together members of the African diaspora and the broader Los Angeles community to recognize the importance of education, cultural heritage, international collaboration, and community leadership. The event reflected a shared commitment to expanding educational opportunities, strengthening partnerships, and honoring the contributions of Black communities locally and globally. U.S. Africa Institute extends its sincere appreciation to Ambassador Ezra Chiloba Simiyu, Consul General of the Republic of Kenya in Los Angeles, for joining the celebration and reaffirming the strong educational, cultural, and diplomatic ties between African nations and communities across Southern California. His participation underscored the importance of global partnerships in advancing educational exchange and community development.

We also express our deep gratitude to Councilmember Curren D. Price Jr., representing Los Angeles City Council District 9, for his longstanding commitment to supporting African and Black immigrant communities and for joining the celebration in recognition of this important milestone.

Special appreciation is extended to Dr. Alfred McQuarters, President of Los Angeles Trade–Technical College, whose visionary leadership has positioned LATTC as a model institution committed to equity, inclusion, and student success. The College's historic designation as a Black Serving Institution represents an important step toward expanding educational opportunities and creating pathways for historically underserved students.

06/26/2026

U.S. Supreme Court Targets Black Immigrants, Allowing Termination of TPS Protections for Haitians!!

Read our press statement below!

06/19/2026

Happy Juneteenth!!

U.S. Africa Institute Joins Communities Across the Nation in Celebrating Juneteenth while also Reflecting on the Challenges Facing Immigrant and Refugee Communities!!

Today, we recognize and celebrate Juneteenth as an opportunity to reflect on the hard-earned progress achieved in the ongoing struggle for freedom, equity, justice, and equality, while acknowledging the work that remains to dismantle systemic racism and institutional barriers that continue to impact Black communities. Juneteenth serves as a powerful reminder of our collective responsibility to keep pursuing the ideals of liberty, dignity, and justice for all.

As we commemorate June 19, 1865—the day enslaved African Americans in Texas finally learned they were free, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued—we honor the resilience, courage, and determination of those who fought for freedom. Juneteenth reminds us that freedom delayed is freedom denied, and that the pursuit of justice and equal opportunity remains an unfinished journey.

This year, volunteers, staff, and board members of the U.S. Africa Institute are participating in Juneteenth commemorations in Los Angeles, Austin, and Washington, D.C., recognizing both the historic struggle for Black liberation and the ongoing fight for immigrant justice.

In Washington, D.C., we are participating in Juneteenth Community Day: Honoring Opal Lee and Celebrating 100 Years, recognizing the legacy of Opal Lee—the “Grandmother of Juneteenth”—and the generations of advocates whose tireless efforts helped secure federal recognition of this historic day. In Austin, we are joining a Juneteenth Parade and Community March calling for peace, community empowerment, and an end to violence. In Los Angeles, we are participating in Councilmember Curren D. Price Jr.’s Juneteenth Block Party in District 9, bringing together families, artists, community organizations, and residents to celebrate Black culture, resilience, and community strength.

As part of the broader Black community, Black immigrants continue to face disproportionate rates of immigration detention and deportation. Many experience racial profiling, prolonged detention, limited access to legal representation, and barriers within immigration proceedings that undermine due process and equal treatment under the law. Black immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers often confront unique challenges at the intersection of race and immigration status, making them particularly vulnerable within our nation's immigration system.

Juneteenth teaches us that freedom is not merely the absence of oppression—it is the presence of opportunity, belonging, safety, and justice. The promise of freedom must extend to all people, including immigrants, refugees, asylum seekers, international students, and visitors who contribute to the social, economic, and cultural fabric of our communities.

06/12/2026

Know Your Rights During the FIFA World Cup 2026!!

As the United States welcomes the world tonight for its first FIFA World Cup 2026 matches in Los Angeles, concerns have already surfaced regarding the treatment of African visitors, students, athletes, and officials. Reports that a Somali referee selected for World Cup-related activities was unable to travel to the United States have renewed concerns about visa barriers and the disproportionate impact of U.S. immigration policies on Black immigrants and African nationals seeking to participate in this global celebration.

Over the coming weeks, millions of fans from around the world will travel to the United States for matches and related events across 11 host cities. Federal officials have indicated that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and other federal law enforcement agencies may be present as part of broader security operations during the tournament.

Regardless of your immigration status, citizenship, race, religion, language, or nationality, you have rights under the U.S. Constitution. Whether you are attending a match, participating in a fan festival, visiting family, or traveling within a host city, it is important to understand and exercise your rights.

U.S. Africa Institute remains committed to supporting immigrant communities, international students, refugees, asylum seekers, and visitors by providing Know Your Rights education, multilingual resources, and referrals to trusted legal service providers. We believe that everyone should be able to participate in this global celebration of sport with dignity, safety, and access to accurate information about their rights.

As the world comes together for FIFA World Cup 2026, we encourage all visitors and community members to stay informed, know their rights, and seek assistance if they encounter immigration-related concerns, discrimination, or enforcement actions.

06/12/2026

Happy Africa Day, and we are grateful to Councilmember Curren D. Price for his leadership and commitment to empower African immigrant communities in Los Angeles and beyond!