Alvaro Villamizar

My name is Terry Parham, and I am the Executive Director and Founder of Building Men and Women for a Change, a nonprofit organization based in Hibbing, Minnesota. Our mission is to serve at-risk youth, families, and community members by providing education, mentorship, and community support rooted in dignity, justice, and wellness.

Today I’m reaching out on behalf of Alvaro Villamizar, a beloved member of our community who is now facing an unjust and heartbreaking situation.

Alvaro came to the United States legally—all of his papers were in order when he was arrested. He has lived and worked here, contributing positively to our community, including through his job at a local hotel. But due to the mounting pressure, delays in the asylum process, and the uncertainty around immigration policies, Alvaro made the deeply personal and difficult decision to self-deport.

His hope in self-deporting was to go to Colombia, the country of his citizenship, where he has family and where he would be safer than in his birth country, Venezuela, which continues to face severe political and economic turmoil. Despite voluntarily arranging his departure for August 5th, ICE detained him less than 48 hours after he notified them of his intent—before he ever had the chance to leave on his own.

Alvaro is now being held in immigration detention. We don’t know how long he’ll be there or what country he will ultimately be sent to, but we do know that he’s sitting in jail right now with no access to the support he needs.

We have created this GoFundMe to raise emergency funds to help Alvaro during this painful and uncertain time. These funds will be used to:

• Help him communicate with loved ones through phone and video calls

• Provide hygiene products and food while he is in custody

• Give him basic financial support upon deportation, wherever he ends up—so that he has a chance to start again with some dignity

Alvaro should not have to go through this process alone. He deserves compassion, support, and the knowledge that his community stands with him.

Please consider donating or sharing this campaign. Every act of support—no matter the size—makes a real difference.

With deep thanks,

Terry Parham

Executive Director

Building Men and Women for a Change