Pancho - a Fiercely Kind Warrior

Seven years ago, Pancho Ramos Stierle left Mexico City for California to pursue a degree in astrophysics at University of California  at Berkeley. He then stopped co-operating with the institution because of their nuclear arms involvement. So instead of pursuing a  PHD, Pancho chose a PH-do - his interpretation of true learning through service. He became a full-time community activist and  peace advocate in Oakland. He has been involved with the Food Sovereignty movement, restorative justice amongst youth and much more. Last November hundreds of his concerned friends mobilized over 4 days. And 20,000 people signed petitions to free Pancho  from the ICE (Immigrations and Customs Enforcement) clutches. They formed support teams, held vigils, alerted the media, made  phone calls... and meditated. By the end of the four days, Alameda County D.A. dropped all criminal charges and ICE released  Pancho from jail, without any bail. No one can really explain the unprecedented move by the authorities. Here are some insights into  what happened presented by the unspoken heroes, Pancho’s friends.

by Ilonka Wloch

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