Support Impacted Family in Waldo County
$260,736.52
Raised
9125
Donations
$15,000
Goal
Thank you. This is truly a life-changing gift for this family, during this horrifying time. The family is profoundly grateful, the comments on the wall and everyone’s generosity mean so much to them.
They want to share your generosity with other families who have had family members taken by ICE in Maine, and there are many. So while all funds raised to date will be given directly to the family as promised, all funds donated from here on will be shared with the community of impacted immigrant families in Maine. And there are many. Many whose stories are not gaining the same publicity, but are just as horrifying. There are many families who need support, and because of your generosity, we can help them.
In keeping with the original intent of this fundraiser, all funds will be given directly to families whose loved ones are currently in ICE custody. Because of this shift, we invite you to continue sharing this fundraiser far and wide, and we will keep this momentum going to support as many families as we can.
Thank you.
Here is the original text:
We are at a point in this country where someone does not need to break the law in order to be taken from their family, and that is what happened in our county this week. A man suspected of no crime and here completely within the law was taken by federal agents simply because he was a Spanish-speaking immigrant.
As neighbors and community members, this is a situation that defines who we are. Will we turn away? Pretend that this isn't happening? Pretend that he must have done something to deserve this?
Or will we face the truth of this, and support this family to the best of our ability, the way we all hope our community would support us, if one of our spouses and parents was taken from us?
It's possible that he may be released on bail (which would likely be in the $5,000 ballpark). It's possible they'll be stuck in some horrifying legal battle for years. It's possible he'll simply be deported to circumstances where his life would be at risk. Any of these options are going to cost this family a staggering amount of money. Beyond having their husband and father stolen, they have also just had their primary breadwinner taken from them. So we ask you to help support them as you would wish to be supported. We invite you to read this letter from his wife:
“Please help us bring him back home.
With my heart broken and my soul full of anguish, I dare to ask you for help in the most difficult moment of our lives. I never thought our family would be facing something like this, but today I am here, writing these words with tears in my eyes and a despair that I cannot describe.
Last Thursday, our lives changed in a second. My husband was detained by immigration after coming to the aid of a family member who had been stopped for speeding by a Waldo police officer. Without having committed any crime, he was taken into custody, and from that moment on, our lives were up in the air. Our home is empty, and our hearts are broken.
What makes this situation even more painful and unfair is that we have ALWAYS done everything possible to be legally in this country. We have followed every rule, every change in immigration policies, every update in the procedures, because our only desire has been to do things the right way, to build a stable and secure future for our family. We have never wanted to live in the shadows or stay outside the law. We have worked hard, paid our taxes, and contributed to this society in the hopes of being accepted and living with dignity.
My husband is a hard-working, honest man dedicated to his family. He is the first to get up every morning and the last to go to bed, making sure we never lack for anything. He is always willing to help those who need it, and now he is the one who needs to be helped. His absence has been devastating for us, not only emotionally, but also financially. He is the breadwinner of our home, and without him, we face enormous uncertainty.
The hardest thing of all is trying to stay calm for my children. I'm doing everything I can to stay strong for them, but the truth is that this has broken me inside.
We have decided not to share too many personal details for the safety and well-being of our children. We hope you can understand and still support us in this difficult time.
The bail costs to bring him back home are overwhelming. We are doing everything we can to stay afloat, but this situation has left us without options. That is why I turn to you, with my heart in my hand, to ask for your support. We are trying to raise money to cover legal costs and secure his release.
Any contribution—no matter the amount—will bring us one step closer to having him back home. If you are unable to donate, please, I ask that your prayers mean more than you can imagine. We cannot face this alone.
This is not just a fight to reunite our family; It is a fight for justice. We did all the right things, we followed the rules, and yet we are living this nightmare. Please help us bring him back home. My family won't be complete until he returns.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you for listening to our story, for your generosity, and for being with us in this very difficult and vulnerable time.”
Donor Wall 1229
Cheryl
My heart breaks for you all. You don’t deserve this vile disrespect. I pray justice finds a way.
Sharon | $105.71
This is not okay 😢 ! Heart hugs and love!
Allison White | $53.11
I hope he’s home soon ♥️
Rachel | $20
It’s not much, but it’s all I have right now. Bless those poor families; my heart and my thoughts are with them. Thank you for being their voice.
Chelsea | $10
Lo siento. Lamento mucho que esto le haya sucedido a su hermosa familia. Mis pensamientos y oraciones están con ustedes.
Ziv | $10
As a jewish person who knows our history well, I am horrified at the parallels seen in the united states right now. I hope our stories can come to an end in the same way, and I hope it will be soon. Remember, always question, always doubt, and always look for ways to resist. No one is here to save you but yourself
Amanda | $105.71
This is an atrocity. I’m so sorry this happened to your family and I am praying that you and all those in this terrible situation are swiftly reunited.
Harper Sassaman | $53.11
We must continue to resist!!!!
Nikolaos Omourloglou | $3.67
Lily | $40
April | $20
Fuck ICE.
Samuel | $16.29
Shane | $21.55
I, a queer, trans person, stand with you. You are loved. You are seen. We are going to fight. ♡💯🙏💪
Valerie | $21.55
Simone Howard | $21.55
Angelica N | $50
Heather | $11.04
My wife & I have been going to protests. America is not angry enough yet because the numbers are still small! Get out there and get out because very soon this could be ANY of us!
Faith | $53.11
I unfortunately can't help the fight on the Frontlines, but I can help this way, however meager it is. I pray to any power out there that you and everyone else wrongly affected by this insanity will find justice and peace.
Erica Haner | $11.04
I want to be on the right side of the line when our history is written
Sarah | $21.55
Gregory | $5.78
I’m a 16 year old white man looking to help a family. I am protesting, I am willing to make action.
Miriam | $21.55
I’m so sorry this has happened to you. Please know millions of TRUE Americans are out here protesting and making calls and fighting to make it stop. You are not alone.
Steph | $5.78
Thank you for speaking up and using your voice and privilege. It gives hope and community in such a dark time.
Shep Solimine | $5.78
Elizabeth | $50
I am so sorry for what you’ve had to endure. I commend your efforts and the strength of your family; I am praying for you and promise to stand with you in any way that I can. By the grace of God, may your family be reunited and may your legal battle proceed smoothly and justly.
Jennifer Wann | $21.55
Soy un amiga de los persones latinos. Cada dia. Todo el tiempo. Estoy fuerte y podorosa. Siempre voy a usar mi voz para defender los derechas de La jente que aperecer deferente Que mi. Dios te bendiga.
Susan Engel | $53.11
Audrey S | $16.29
I don’t have much but this story entirely rages me. I hope for peace upon your family and I’m so sorry this has happened to you.
Cazvi Escobedo
Joyce | $53.11
I worry everyday about my friends. I wake up at night and I cry for this country.