This morning, everything changed for our family.

I was dropping off my son, Benjamin, at his dad’s house before work when we were met by eight agents. They claimed to be investigating the people living in the back house for drugs and weapons. Gil, Benjamin’s dad, has no connection to them. The landlord rented that space out, Gil has no involvement at all. Despite this, the agents searched Gil’s home and both of his cars. They found absolutely nothing. Gil has no criminal record and is a hardworking man who has always provided for his son. In his attempt to be cooperative and helpful, the agents discovered that he is undocumented and they detained him on the spot. My son stood there and watched his father get taken away in handcuffs. Now Gil is sitting in a detention center, and I’m left trying to figure out how to fight for him. The truth is, I cannot do this alone. Immigration cases are complicated and expensive, and without help, I don’t know how we’ll manage. I’m asking for support, for legal fees, for guidance, and for Benjamin, who deserves to have his dad in his life. Anything helps, and every bit of kindness brings us closer to keeping this little boy’s world from falling apart.