Help me reunite with my brother
Donation protected
My name is José Cáceres and I am a leader of Dreamers of Virginia, a youth-led organization that focuses on fighting for immigrants rights in Virginia. I also co-lead the efforts of the Deportation Defense program at United We Dream, together we watch over our communities from local enforcement and or help individuals who face deportation.
My brother, José Miguel, is 20-years-old who was living in Guatemala. He has always being a hardworking, studious and involved in his community. He is a team player as described by his former co-workers. His former supervisors described as an exceptional young man and always working diligently and well with others. My brother is very religious and was involved in the church in our community back in Guatemala. He graduated from high school in Guatemala and was hoping to study to pursue his love for computer software and IT.
But recently he fell victim of extortion by the gangs. My brother could no longer take the threats and the fear or putting his life at risk in Guatemala City, Therefore, he decided to come to the U.S. in an attempt to reunite with our family.
Unfortunately, back in March my brother was apprehended by Customs Border Patrol when he was trying to cross the border. With the help from the community and friends I was able to get him a legal assistance and he has been able to claimed fear is looking now to have a chance at asylum.
Back in March, I was able to see my brother after 10 years. It was the most painful and bittersweet moment I have ever experience. It was frustrating and heartbreaking to be able to see my brother but not be able to hug him. There was a glass dividing us, and in order to communicate with him, I had to speak through a phone. I was able to see him 3 times while he was detained in McAllen, Texas and not a day goes that I remind myself the promise I made to him on the last visit:
An ICE officer walked from the hallway and was heading towards my direction.
“I promise you - you will get out, we will get you out” I said trying to hold back my tears, looking at my brother through the glass while holding the phone, “ You are not alone.”
“ I know” my brother responded while starting to cry "thank you, José”
“You are my brother” I said, “ I would go to the end of the world for you.”
The ICE officer approached me and informed me that my visitation time was over.
“Thank you José. Will you come to visit tomorrow?” my brother asked.
“Of course I will” I responded, “ I will see you tomorrow.”
I hung up the phone and he did too. We waved goodbye. The ICE officer started to walk me out of the visitation room.
But I didn’t see my brother the next day.
He was transferred that evening and was sent to Lasalle Detention Center in Jena, Louisiana.
Over three months have passed since my brother has been in detention.
I have fought to keep families together in the past from deportation, and now I am asking you to help my family’s attempt and protecting my brother from being sent back to Guatemala.
Will you help me raise $4,000 for my brother’s bond?
Thank you so much for your time and consideration.
My brother, José Miguel, is 20-years-old who was living in Guatemala. He has always being a hardworking, studious and involved in his community. He is a team player as described by his former co-workers. His former supervisors described as an exceptional young man and always working diligently and well with others. My brother is very religious and was involved in the church in our community back in Guatemala. He graduated from high school in Guatemala and was hoping to study to pursue his love for computer software and IT.
But recently he fell victim of extortion by the gangs. My brother could no longer take the threats and the fear or putting his life at risk in Guatemala City, Therefore, he decided to come to the U.S. in an attempt to reunite with our family.
Unfortunately, back in March my brother was apprehended by Customs Border Patrol when he was trying to cross the border. With the help from the community and friends I was able to get him a legal assistance and he has been able to claimed fear is looking now to have a chance at asylum.
Back in March, I was able to see my brother after 10 years. It was the most painful and bittersweet moment I have ever experience. It was frustrating and heartbreaking to be able to see my brother but not be able to hug him. There was a glass dividing us, and in order to communicate with him, I had to speak through a phone. I was able to see him 3 times while he was detained in McAllen, Texas and not a day goes that I remind myself the promise I made to him on the last visit:
An ICE officer walked from the hallway and was heading towards my direction.
“I promise you - you will get out, we will get you out” I said trying to hold back my tears, looking at my brother through the glass while holding the phone, “ You are not alone.”
“ I know” my brother responded while starting to cry "thank you, José”
“You are my brother” I said, “ I would go to the end of the world for you.”
The ICE officer approached me and informed me that my visitation time was over.
“Thank you José. Will you come to visit tomorrow?” my brother asked.
“Of course I will” I responded, “ I will see you tomorrow.”
I hung up the phone and he did too. We waved goodbye. The ICE officer started to walk me out of the visitation room.
But I didn’t see my brother the next day.
He was transferred that evening and was sent to Lasalle Detention Center in Jena, Louisiana.
Over three months have passed since my brother has been in detention.
I have fought to keep families together in the past from deportation, and now I am asking you to help my family’s attempt and protecting my brother from being sent back to Guatemala.
Will you help me raise $4,000 for my brother’s bond?
Thank you so much for your time and consideration.
Organizer
José J Cáceres
Organizer
Arlington, VA
