NEW YORK — In the basement of Judson Memorial Church, across from Washington Square Park, Danilo Gonzalez was lying on a twin-sized inflatable bed set up near the trash bins. Several empty bottles of Gatorade and a Spanish-language entertainment magazine were littered on the floor.
Since Wednesday night, Gonzalez has been fasting for legislative immigration reform. While his body was already weakened by starvation, his eyes tired and hair disheveled, he was still determined.
More than 40 other people, including teenagers and young students, joined Gonzalez in a 72-hour fast, an act of protest by immigrants here and in other parts of the country to call for an immigration overhaul. Along with their advocates, community leaders and elected officials, the immigrants ended their fast Saturday afternoon.
“I have many important reasons why I am doing this,” Gonzalez, 58, who only speaks Spanish, said through an English translator. “On top of it all, I’m already tired of sitting and waiting for nothing. Something needs to be done.”
Anthony Advincula can be reached at aadvincula@newamericamedia.org
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