An Urgent Appeal: Maine Must Lead Again as Deportation Threats Loom

By Ana Mavungo*

Time is running out. With recent announcements threatening mass deportations, my children's lives—and the lives of countless other African families—hang in the balance. As a mother from Cabinda, Angola, now living in Portland area, I must speak truth to power: my persecution as a gospel singer whose song "Africa" challenged authorities, combined with the ongoing separatist conflict in Cabinda, forced me to flee. The 2010 attack on the Togo national soccer team in Cabinda marked a turning point, as the government intensified its crackdown on anyone perceived to have influence or connection to separatist movements.

Congresswoman Pingree's Silence

Despite repeated engagement through the Cameroon American Council (CAC), Congresswoman Chellie Pingree—herself a mother—has failed to take meaningful action. While President Biden visited Angola, promoting economic partnerships, Congresswoman Pingree remained silent about the undocumented Angolans in her own district. As a senior member of Congress and a mother, her voice could be pivotal in:

1. Writing an urgent letter to President Biden advocating for TPS and Special Humanitarian Parole

2. Issuing a public statement supporting protection for African migrants

3. Holding a press conference to highlight the crisis

4. Launching a social media campaign to build public support

The blueprint for action exists—Representative Yvette Clarke has shown how congressional leadership can make a difference. But Maine's situation is even more compelling: unlike New York, which only acted after being forced to address the needs of migrants sent from Florida and Texas, Maine proactively provided transportation, lodging, shelter, and support. Maine led with compassion—now we need Congresswoman Pingree to lead with action.

The Ukraine Precedent and Maine's Moment

President Biden demonstrated the full scope of his executive powers when he met with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, swiftly granting TPS and Special Humanitarian Parole to Ukrainian migrants. This decisive action ensured that Ukrainians would not be stranded at our borders. Today, I ask: why hasn't Congresswoman Pingree demanded the same protections for African families fleeing equally desperate situations?

My son's recent attack in Angola isn't just a tragic incident—it's a warning of what's to come if immediate action isn't taken. The threat of deportation now looms larger than ever, and my children remain trapped in danger while I face the possibility of being forced back to face persecution in Cabinda, where my music and voice made me a target.

Maine's Leadership Opportunity

Maine has already shown extraordinary leadership in welcoming migrants and protecting vulnerable families. Now, we need Maine's congressional delegation, led by Congresswoman Pingree, to take three immediate actions:

1. Urgently call on President Biden to use his executive authority to grant TPS and Special Humanitarian Parole for Angolans, Congolese, and Cameroonians—just as he did for Ukrainians

2. Push for immediate provisions to protect African migrants in Maine from threatened deportations

3. Support expedited family reunification processes for parents separated from their children

The Power of Executive Action

President Biden's recent Angola visit and declaration of being "all in on Africa" rings hollow while African families remain separated and vulnerable. He has the executive power—right now—to provide the same protections he granted to Ukrainians. Congresswoman Pingree can and must demand:

- Immediate TPS for Angola and Congo

- Special Humanitarian Parole programs for Cameroon and other Central African nations in crisis

- Prioritization of family reunification cases

These actions don't require congressional approval. They can be implemented immediately, just as they were for Ukrainian refugees.

Maine's Urgent Call to Action

The Cameroon American Council's upcoming vigil in Lewiston-Portland on December 18 takes on new urgency. We call on Congresswoman Pingree to:

- Join our vigil and make a public statement

- Lead a Maine congressional delegation letter to the White House

- Host a press conference highlighting Maine's unique compassionate response to African migrants

- Launch a comprehensive social media campaign

To the women of Maine: your Ukrainian sisters received swift protection through executive action. We now ask you to demand that Congresswoman Pingree fight for the same urgency for African mothers and children. Every day without action puts more lives at risk.

A Time-Sensitive Appeal

As deportation threats escalate and my children face increasing danger in Cabinda, we cannot afford Congresswoman Pingree's continued silence. Maine has shown that compassionate leadership is possible—providing shelter, support, and hope when other states turned their backs on migrants. This is the Maine way.

We love Maine and cherish our identity as New Mainers. The precedent has been set with Ukrainian protections. All that's missing is political courage from our representatives. Congresswoman Pingree, as a mother and a leader, your voice could make the difference between life and death for families like mine.

Time is running out. The moment for action is now.

*Ana Mavungo is an undocumented mother and gospel singer from Cabinda, Angola, living in Portland area of Maine. Her song "Africa" spoke truth to power, forcing her to flee persecution. To join the urgent call for action, attend the Cameroon American Council's vigil in Lewiston-Portland on December 18 or contact Congresswoman Pingree's office today.*