How to help migrant children, families at US border

While the immigration crisis has long been a focus of the Trump administration, last week's heartbreaking photo that shows a drowned father and his baby attempting to cross the border has once again shed light on just how extreme the crisis has been.

The photograph, shot by journalist Julia Le Duc for a Mexican newspaper, shows Oscar Alberto Martínez Ramírez and his 23-month-old daughter Valeria face down in the bank of the Rio Grande, with the toddler's arm still clinging to Ramirez's neck.

Valeria's death, however heartbreaking, joins similar stories, each of which showcase the plight faced by the migrants fleeing the impoverished and violent conditions of their home countries. And it's not just the dangerous journeys that kill these children: According to NBC, at least seven children have died in immigration custody since last year due to filthy conditions and lack of healthcare.

The picture of Ramirez and his daughter has sparked fury around the world, with many of those looking for ways to assist these families and children fighting for a better life by seeking asylum. While volunteer support is not allowed at these detention centers, there are still many ways to show your support.

Advocates can help by taking action and keeping these migrants' stories alive, as the plight is far from over.

Donate money and goods

Organizations such as RAICES, the Refugee and Immigrant Center for Education and Legal Services in Texas, The Las Americas Immigrant Advocacy Center and United We Dream are working to provide legal services and monetary support for migrants. RAICES specifically provides legal services to underserved refugees and has grown to become the largest immigration legal services provider in Texas. Immigrant Families Together, too, is a unique organization established by a group of New York women that raises bonds for parents separated from their children at the border.

Those looking to help should not bring clothing and other donations to the centers themselves, as there is a good chance the volunteers will be turned away. Instead, it's suggested that supporters call their local organizations and bring them there to have a more direct impact.

The National Network for Immigrant and Refugee Rights has provided an extensive list of organizations actively working to fight the crisis and provide better treatment for detainees. You can see the full list here.

Offer Pro Bono Work

According to reports, only 14 percent of immigrants held in detention centers have access to legal support.

Supporting one of the organizations listed above, like RAICES, offers legal aid to these families seeking asylum. However, if you would like to donate your time, there are a number of local organizations looking for pro bono lawyers and legal aides. The American Bar Association has provided a running list of organizations of pro bono opportunities for legal experts to help immigrant youth. Check out the list here.

Those living near the border or who are willing to travel to the border and can speak Spanish, Mam, Q’eqchi’ or K’iche’, can provide monumental help for those separated by US Customs and Border Protection officials. The Texas Civil Rights Project is specifically looking for volunteers to lead intake efforts for a number of Texan towns and cities. Furthermore, the Immigration Justice Campaign offers opportunities for volunteers in Texas to provide mental health evaluations for trauma survivors. The organization is also looking for volunteers in Georgia, Denver, South Texas and New Jersey.

Take action in your community

Monetary and physical goods can provide invaluable support for these organizations, but there are also a number of outreach events that your local organizations probably have in the works, including protests, rallies, outreach programs and donation drives.

“One really important thing is for people to know what is in your community, know who is doing the work there, and plug in and ask them what you can do,” Zenén Jaimes Pérez, advocacy director of the Texas Civil Rights Project, told MTV News. In addition, The ACLU's Know Your Rights campaign also offers training to help people practice "safe bystander intervention" and understand what to do if I.C.E knocks on their door.

Contact your elected officials in Congress

Don't let the bystander effect keep you from emailing and calling your elected officials. A number of organizations have released scripts of what volunteers can when contacting their government representatives. You can find the contact information for your local leaders here and one of RAICES' scripts here.