On February 22nd, my mother was en route to work when she was apprehended and detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Three other family members who were carpooling with her that day were also detained.

They were held in the Baltimore processing center for approximately 12 days, where the conditions were incredibly inhumane. A room that was intended to accommodate only a few detainees contained over 20 people at almost any given moment. Initially, any communication from the ICE agents was extremely limited and vague, leaving us unaware of their intended relocation or the location of the next facility. This confinement lasted for 12 days, in a room devoid of beds, showers, and abysmally cramped conditions. Additionally, there was a makeshift bathroom with absolutely no privacy. Fortunately, she was eventually relocated to a facility in Louisiana to await a court hearing, during which she was granted the opportunity to secure a bond.

My mother is a devout Catholic who is heavily involved in her family and community. Everyone who knows her knows her to be incredibly loving, selfless, and oozes joy. For over three decades, she has tirelessly supported me and my three siblings through every economic and emotional hardship we faced. Despite the challenges, she ensured that we had everything we needed to survive, even if it meant sacrificing her own well-being.

My siblings and I urgently need help raising funds to free her from the facility and find a legal way to keep her home, where she’s lived for over three decades. The legal expenses incurred have already strained our finances, and further costs are anticipated. The funds we raise would be instrumental in covering the legal fees required for her release, the bond, and the ongoing living expenses that persist due to her loss of income.

We are deeply grateful for any support you can offer during this incredibly difficult time. Whether it’s through a donation or simply sharing our story, your kindness means the world to us. Every gesture of generosity brings us one step closer to reuniting our family and ensuring my mother’s safety and well-being.

Thank you for taking the time to read, support, and possibly share this message. Your compassion gives us strength and hope.

With heartfelt gratitude, The Ramirez Family