Dream 9 Released From Arizona Immigration Detention; What Lies Ahead For Brave Activists?

After being arrested during a July protest against President Barack Obama's immigration policies, the Dream 9 -- a group of Mexican nationals who were brought into the U.S. illegally at a young age -- have been freed. Thursday's release, however, is by no means the end of their story. Eight of the nine youths were granted asylum in a rare move by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. It was believed that the group would have a difficult time proving that they felt unsafe in Mexico as all but two returned of their own free will, the Huffington Post reported. The Dream 9 received support from more than 30 members of Congress, who wrote letters encouraging their release.

"These courageous, undocumented young people shine a light on the painful family separation caused by our broken immigration system," Rep. Mike Honda, D-Calif., wrote in the letter.

The group was detained at Eloy Detention Center in Arizona. The young nationals told reporters that their time there was difficult, with showers being allowed only three times a week. Maria Peniche, 22, said she was placed in solitary confinement for two weeks and spent 23 hours a day alone. She said was given that punishment for encouraging the others in the Dream 9 to seek legal advice.

"They dehumanize you. They make you feel like you murdered someone," Peniche said.

In a year or two, each Dream 9 member will make their case for being allowed to permanently remain in the U.S. Many are not eligible for the differed action program as they returned to Mexico more than a year ago. Those who were deported are typically not allowed to return to the U.S. until 10 years after their deportation, making the process more arduous for the two members who were taken back to Mexico. For now, their time in the detention center is sending a message about the status of immigration reform, immigration activists said.

"The 'Dream 9' and their action, and the information of the last week has highlighted the stories of individuals who are not citizens of this country but have a real tie," says Ruthie Epstein, a policy analyst at the American Civil Liberties Union. "Their experience served to show the immigration detainee system exists and is a quiet and draconian means of immigration enforcement."