Roslindale Family Evicted 4 Arrested in Attempted Blockade

Deutsche Bank evicts family in Roslindale

BOSTON/ROSLINDALE - On September 25th, with the largest bank collapse and seizure in the history of the U.S. and a breakdown in talks on the federal government's $700 billion bailout plan, the national financial crisis hit home for the Esquivel family of Roslindale. The culmination of their two year struggle with predatory, sub-prime lending ended in a forceful, post-foreclosure, no-fault eviction.

Deutsche Bank, a German-owned mega-bank that engaged in predatory sub-prime mortgage lending, used cold shoulder tactics in an attempt to avoid declaring a loss on the property. Though the Esquivels made extensive attempts to work out a deal by paying rent or buying the home at it's appraised value, the bank declined all discussion, choosing instead to call the police and constable to evict the three-generation family.

In light of the bank's decision, City Life/Vida Urbana members, staff, and allies showed up to stop the eviction and support the Esquivels, including their two elementary school-aged children. Protesters assembled and peacefully resisted the eviction, with four individuals arrested for blocking the street entrance to the house.

The bank's refusal to negotiate was in stark contrast to their decision to enter into talks with another family in Mattapan protected by CLVU in a blockade Monday.

Though the family was left homeless, the Esquivels shared their gratitude for the show of support and said they would remain strong and continue to fight alongside other victims of foreclosure. Addressing those gathered as "family," Ana Esquivel tearfully led the crowd in chants of, "We are family, and family sticks together!" even as they watched the moving trucks pull up.

Story by Alternatives for Community and Environment Blog (http://www.ACE-EJ.org/BLOG). Video by Aaron Tanaka, Boston Workers' Alliance