My name is Alli. I am a 17-year-old girl from Somers Point, NJ. I am just starting my senior year of high school, and my life has significantly changed in the last 3 months. My loving and hard-working mother was detained by ICE and taken to the Elizabeth Detention Center. Just one week later, she was transferred to a facility in Texas and then placed on a plane, deported without due process and without even the chance to say goodbye. My mother has resided in New Jersey for 30 years and raised me my entire life. She is everything to me. I miss her more than I can put into words.

I am now alone, facing adult responsibilities I wasn't prepared to take on. I thought my senior year would involve attending school and preparing for college, but I now need to re-evaluate what I anticipated my future would look like. I am trying to balance school and my classes while working 7 days a week and ensuring my essential needs are met.

I was initially apprehensive to share my story, but I have learned that it's okay to reach out and ask for help. My goals right now are to finish high school, apply to college, and stay focused on my education. I want to thrive and not just survive. I know this is what my mother wants for me too. I appreciate anyone who has taken the time to read my story and will be eternally grateful for any help received.

Thank you,

Alli Garcia