On October 22, a traffic stop by Weber County Sheriff turned into the worst version of a 287(g) agreement detainment. The parents of a two-month-old infant were taken to jail and placed under an ICE detainer. Neither has been charged with a crime. This is a civil immigration case.

Their baby remained safe with family. The baby recently had surgery, and on the day of detainment the family missed their post-op appointment. While in jail, Javiera kept pumping milk so their baby could still be fed. She was released with an ankle monitor as of October 25th. Pablo remains in detention.

Pablo and Javiera had applied for asylum and were doing everything they could to follow the process. This summer, important notices about their case were sent to the wrong address, and they missed key deadlines without knowing it. That led to the deportation orders they now face.

They are following all legal next steps with their attorney. Our goal is to help this family stay together, leave safely, and rebuild their lives with their baby.

Who is organizing this fundraiser:

My name is Sarah Fisher, and I am the president of Ogden Mutual Aid, a registered Utah nonprofit. We are organizing this fundraiser with the family’s knowledge and agreement. We are in direct contact with Javiera and with the family’s immigration attorney.

How the funds will be used:

After the attorney reimbursement, every remaining dollar goes to the family.

How the funds reach the family:

Donations transfer to Ogden Mutual Aid’s organization bank account. GoFundMe requires an individual’s name to set up transfers, so our treasurer, Demetrios Pagonis, is listed as the beneficiary on the organization’s behalf. All decisions about these funds are made jointly by Ogden Mutual Aid’s board. The funds are for Pablo, Javiera, and their baby.

While the family is in transition, Ogden Mutual Aid holds the funds and pays costs on their behalf. We are working with local consulate experts and the family’s attorney to set up a safe, documented way to send the remaining funds once the family is settled and able to receive them. The family knows and has agreed to this plan. Our treasurer keeps receipts for every payment.

“If we don’t stand up for children, then we don’t stand for much.” Marian Wright Edelman, Children’s Defense Fund

Thank you for standing with this family. We’ll post updates as things move forward.