We are fundraising on behalf of Ricardo (18 years old) and his mom, Liliana. They were detained under false pretenses on Monday, March 16, outside of the Chicago Immigration Court. They received an email asking them to come to sign a document for their case. When they showed up, they were immediately detained. It was a trap.

Ricardo's family came to the U.S. 3 years ago from Colombia looking for a better and safer life. Ricardo quickly got into the community and joined our soccer club, figuring out ways to get to practices and games while helping to support his family. He's an extremely resourceful and hardworking kid. Ricardo is a high school senior and is committed to playing college soccer next year at a junior college. He should be dreaming of prom and graduation, not locked in a detention camp many states away from his mom.

Ricardo and his mother are currently separated at different detention centers. Ricardo was sent to Oklahoma and his mom to Louisiana. Even though Ricardo is a high schooler, because he is 18, they were not kept together. We need help with lawyer fees for both of them. We also need to keep their commissary accounts stocked so they can purchase things and make phone/video calls. Ricardo and Martha have a family member still in Chicago. He is alone and scared and we are also trying to support him. We are working to know exactly how much money we will need to raise, but for now, we know it will be substantial. Anything you can give would be much appreciated. We need to get Ricardo and his mom home as soon as possible.