On November 6th, J. was pulled over by police officers north of San Antonio while driving his company's truck, for allegedly having a broken taillight. The officer checked J.'s documents, went back to his vehicle, and called ICE. J. described multiple SUVs surrounding him within minutes of the original stop.

He was taken first to the local police station where he waited in a frigid cell for 12 hours without access to food, water, or a phone. They then transferred him to a detention center north of Austin. J. had entered the country legally and had applied for a work permit under CBP1, but lost his status when the Trump administration declared the Biden-era program illegal.

He was working with a lawyer who had helped him file his asylum claim and was waiting for the clock to run out on the 150-day waiting period to be able to apply for a work permit again. In the meantime, he was doing everything he could to take care of his family of three girls, making sure there was food on the table and a roof over their heads.

J. has no criminal record, like so many of those in detention right now, but more than that, he was an outstanding member of our community. He was the person who always came first to help set up before a church service and was always the last to leave after making sure every last thing was cleaned and organized. He was always ready to volunteer to help anyone in need. J. was the living embodiment of service. He is also a loving husband and father. He has given everything to try to make a safe and healthy life for his family.

J.'s wife and daughters are heartbroken by his absence. We are trying to do everything that we can to bring him home. These days, immigration judges are denying bond to almost everyone in detention and are denying almost all asylum claims. The goal of the system is to get as many people deported as possible. But, there is one legal avenue left to get people out of detention by filing a habeas corpus petition. This is a petition filed in federal court, which means only certain lawyers are able to carry it out, and of course, that increases the cost.

We are fundraising to pay for a lawyer for J. so that he has the best chance possible of coming home. Anything that you can give is a huge support for him and his family. And thank you so much!