My name is Melissa Bailey and I am reaching out on behalf of a beautiful family who means the world to me, and who are going through an incredibly difficult and unexpected situation.

On April 2nd, Maykeling Fuentes Cruz and her husband Javier traveled to Milwaukee for what was supposed to be a routine immigration check-in. Instead, she was detained that same day. Since then, she has been moved between multiple facilities and is currently being held in a detention center in Leitchfield, Kentucky.

Authorities initially claimed her detention was due to a missed court date. However, after working with an attorney, no record of any missed court date has been found. Her loved ones are now left trying to navigate a confusing and stressful legal process, doing everything they can to bring her home.

Maykeling has a court hearing scheduled for April 28th, but beyond that, there is very little clarity on how long this process will take. What is certain is the financial burden it has already placed on the family—and what still lies ahead.

Newlyweds Maykeling and Javier married on March 26, 2025, in a small, loving ceremony with family and close friends. She is a kind, compassionate person who had been taking English classes and working on building a life here. She is often looking for ways to help others and she finds joy in the little things. She loves watching K-dramas with Javi at home. Pho and bubble tea are her favorites but she also likes trying new foods. She and Javier love going on late-night drives and listening to music in order to simply spend more time with each other. She loves her family and her two cats, Draco and Daisy, and she misses them all terribly.

Her absence has been heartbreaking for everyone who loves her. Despite everything, her family continues to show up for her—making long trips to visit her and doing all they can to stay strong during this time.

I’ve seen firsthand how much Maykeling means to them, and how hard they are fighting to bring her back home where she belongs. So far, they have had to pay approximately $11,000 in attorney fees and about $1,000 in travel expenses to visit her. Based on current estimates, they may need up to an additional $10,000 to continue fighting her case and secure her release.

If you’re able to donate, your support will go directly toward her legal representation and the costs needed to reunite her with her family. If you’re unable to contribute financially, sharing this page would make a meaningful difference.

Thank you for taking the time to read Maykeling’s story and for supporting this family during such a challenging time.