My name is Briz Murillo, and I am a 24-year-old nurse. This past week, my dad, Eduardo Murillo Ortega, was detained by ICE in Florida despite living here for 28 years, paying taxes, owning a home, and even receiving his green card three years ago. He is now being deported to Mexico, and my mom and brother are planning to quickly pack up and move to be with him. This GoFundMe will help my mom cover bills, move their belongings from Florida, and support my dad as he starts over after nearly three decades in the U.S.

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Help the Murillo Family Rebuild After ICE Detention and Forced Separation

Hello, my name is Brizanelly (Briz) Murillo, and I am writing this with a heavy heart. I am 24 years old, a registered nurse working full-time at a hospital while pursuing my master’s degree in nursing. I live in Florida with my younger brother, Joel, who is just 14 years old and still in high school.

This past week (on [DATE] in [CITY], Florida), our lives changed forever. My father, Eduardo Murillo Ortega (born 09/13/1977), was suddenly detained by ICE when he went in for an asylum-related appointment. Despite the fact that my parents have lived in the U.S. for nearly 30 years, paid taxes, built a life, and even received their green cards three years ago, my dad was arrested over a traffic violation that had already been properly handled in court with an attorney.

He is now being held in the Alligator Alcatraz facility in South Florida, a place known for extremely harsh conditions. The food is spoiled, sleep is impossible, and detainees are constantly moved around to disorient them. My father, after enduring this treatment, has made the painful decision to sign voluntary deportation papers to Mexico rather than continue suffering there.

For days, we didn’t even know where he was. I called ICE, consulates, and embassies, but no one gave me answers. The fear and helplessness have been overwhelming.

My mother, Margarita Escareño (born 10/22/1980), is now terrified to even go to work or drive, afraid that she too could be detained without warning. After 28 years of building a life in Williston, FL, they are being forced to pack up everything and leave it behind. They will soon be relocating to Mexico to reunite with my dad, and this has permanently altered the course of our family’s lives.

Why We Need Help

This GoFundMe is to support my mom and dad as they face this unexpected upheaval. Specifically, funds will help:

Cover my mom’s bills so she can stay afloat through this transition.

Pay moving expenses as they pack up their home in Florida and relocate to Mexico.

Help my dad restart his life in Mexico after nearly three decades in the U.S.

About My Parents

When my parents first came to the U.S. in the late 1990s, it was a different time. Immigrants seeking asylum were able to get driver’s licenses, work legally, and pay taxes using ITIN numbers. For decades, they worked hard, paid payroll taxes without refunds, and contributed through property taxes and sales tax in their community.

Because of their immigration status, I was not eligible for federal student aid. I worked as a pharmacy technician at Walgreens for six years while earning my nursing degree, completely self-funding my education. My parents’ sacrifices made me who I am today.

They are not just my parents — they are beloved members of our extended family, surrounded by siblings, nieces, nephews, and grandchildren in Williston, FL. Losing them here is not only devastating for us but for an entire community.

How You Can Help

Any contribution, no matter how small, will make a difference. Your support will give my family a chance to catch up on bills, safely relocate, and help my father find stability again in Mexico.

If you can’t donate, please consider sharing this page with others. We are deeply grateful for your kindness and support in this heartbreaking time.

With love and gratitude,

Briz Murillo & Family