Support Impacted Family in Waldo County
$279,655.47
Raised
9842
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 1321
Claire | $105,72
The Republicans have caused such immense human suffering on an unimaginable scale. We have to do everything in our power to oust them.
Anonymous
8647
Cherie Flint | $53,12
My heart is breaking for my Latino brothers and sisters. Know we are desperately searching for ways to stop this facism
Chelle | $21,56
Para esta familia y para todas que se enfrenten a la maldad facista que es esta régimen: lo siento. Y los apoyamos.
Ester Spreafico | $5,78
Danny Evans
Need to be clear about the specifics of the amount. 86.47. Gotta remove the head of the snake, even though the Hydra is deeply ensconced. He's not running the show anymore--but he's the cheap orange-plated pig-headed hood ornament on the Jeepers Creepers truck. I also need to be clear that I'm a regular white dad in Pittsburgh (with family ties to New England and to Maine) who cannot really afford this amount right now, but will push off a bill coming due a few days and get square in a week or so. Because this family in Maine needs it more than the ____ company does. Because this family in Maine needs it as much as the country does right now. The clarion call is sounding for ordinary folks like you and I to put aside distanced comfort and thoughts of good will and carefully measured words and replace those good things with the hard reality of action. Today it's the most money I can afford given to someone I'll never know. Tomorrow it might be using my incredibly rusty Spanish skills to reach out to a person or organization here--since we're an "evil democratic city" that will be targeted, sooner or later, by our own government. This weekend I will (along with my family) participate peacefully in the upcoming national rally to oppose the tawdry authoritarian military birthday parade for a career criminal and cheater -- literally a cheater at EVERYthing he's ever done. And what little I can do in the days ahead may only matter a little or not at all....unless a whole bunch of others do a little too, at the same time. Before you know it we, the American people--the REAL ones--will be suddenly doing a hell of a lot to save our country by standing against this anti-progress, hate-filled, dullard-driven MINORITY in our nation. This is how we save it. One person at a time, if necessary. Godspeed to all of you who are helping in some way.
Nancy Danel | $53,11
Sharon Setz | $21,55
I wish it was more. I’m so sorry… this is NOT America.
Laura | $21,55
Patricia | $21,55
Anonymous | $53,11
My soul is crushed by the unspeakable horror of this grotesque and ghastly evil. My heart is with you as I organize in my community to try to protect my Latino, and black.and brown brothers and sisters. "El pueblo unido jamás será vencido!"
Anne-France Goldwater | $189,87
I am in Montreal, just north of you. All Americans seeking to escape your fascist government, come seek asylum in Canada.
Ken Titlebaum | $53,11
William Roh | $21,55
You're not alone, so many of us used to see our country as a beacon of freedom for everyone, we shouldn't have to be of a different race or creed to share the simple understanding that ALL PEOPLE should be treated with dignity and respect and benefit from the gifts of freedom. We're all better when we all prosper, without fear.
Nicola | $5,78
I live in England in the UK n I’m just absolutely appalled n horrified of what I’m hearing & seeing happen in your country by these monsters that call themselves leaders n the disgraceful people that support them. MAGA is an horrific cult that has been made possible through sheer ignorance, stupidity n lies. I can’t donate much but I hope this family, n many others like them find a way to get their loved ones back. There will come a time when these animals pay for what they have done n I just hope that karma comes for them sooner rather than later. I send my love to all that are suffering under this cruel, fascist , nazi regime n urge that good people keep fighting n standing up for those who can’t stand up for themselves.
Patricia | $21,55
I am so sorry this is happening to you.
Ivy | $21,55
Ryan Yakiwchuk
I'm so sorry for what you are going through.
Gabby | $37,33
I am absolutely horrified by this. My heart goes out to that family and all the others too
Moira Cunningham | $21,55
Camille | $21,55
I have no words. My heart hurts for all of you. I’m sorry the people in this country have failed you. This is an atrocity.
Katie | $53,11
I’m sick too! As a white woman, thank you for posting and for giving me ideas for how to get involved. ❤️ to your neighbors
Mark
Nicholas Camacho | $11,04
💚🤍❤️
Cari
Please tell your neighbors how utterly sorry we are that this was done to them. We are fighting to take back our country. Keep them safe until then.
Aspen | $11,04
I’m so sorry the world has failed you.
Isabella Attardo | $11,04
It hurts to be helpless in situations as dire as these. Love from italy. We know very well what fascism is, and I'm appalled that after all that we're still regressing back to it. Stay strong
Lily Harrah | $5,78
Brianna | $5,78
My heart goes out to the families who are dealing with this. It is heartbreaking what is happening in our country. I wish I could do more!
Terri Herron | $21,55
Prayers for your family reunion! We support you!