**UPDATE:** We've reached our original goal of $25K (THANK YOU to EVERYONE who has supported, prayed, and shared this link!), but the legal battle is still being fought. I just learned that $30K has already been paid in legal fees! With additional attorney fees ahead, we've increased our fundraising goal to $30K. Any additional donations past that will help cover future legal expenses, as well as offset the more than eight months of lost income this family has experienced. Thank you for your continued prayers, generosity, and support!

ORIGINAL POST: I never imagined I would be writing something like this about someone in my own family.

My cousin's son, William "Will" Lizardo, is currently being held in ICE detention, separated from his wife, Lauren, and their 18-month-old daughter.

This is especially heartbreaking for me because Will isn't just a name in a news article. I held him when he was a baby. We visited them in Canada growing up. I attended his wedding. And now, I'm watching someone I care about go through something no family should have to experience.

Will, a Canadian citizen, and Lauren, a U.S. citizen, met while attending dental school in Minneapolis. They married in Minnesota, moved out East, and worked as dentists while building their life together. During those years, they welcomed their first child, a beautiful baby girl. After two and a half years out East, they returned to Minnesota to continue building their future as a family.

Throughout this process, they believed they were doing what they needed to do to navigate the immigration system legally. But somewhere along the way, things went terribly wrong.

According to the family, an important immigration court notice was sent to an old address in Virginia, years after they had moved. They completed the necessary paperwork to update their address and were receiving all other communications about their case to the correct address. They never received the notice and were unaware of the scheduled hearing. Because Will did not appear at that hearing, a deportation order was issued in his absence.

Then, while attending an immigration appointment in Minneapolis as part of the process of obtaining his green card, Will was detained by ICE.

He showed up for an immigration appointment, believing he was taking another step toward securing his future with his wife and daughter. No one realized what was about to happen. He was taken into ICE custody without warning. Lauren and their little girl didn't even have a chance to say goodbye.

Watch Lauren share her story on CBS News: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UjD7x_Q2mj4

Now Lauren is facing the unimaginable stress of caring for their little girl while trying desperately to bring her husband home.

Their family has already incurred thousands of dollars in legal expenses, and they are now pursuing additional federal legal action to challenge Will's detention. The next phase of legal representation alone is estimated to cost over $15,000. On top of that, Will has been unable to work while navigating the immigration process, creating an additional financial burden on their young family.

That's why I'm organizing this GoFundMe, with a goal of raising $25,000 to help cover the family's legal and living expenses.

Our families are rallying around Will, Lauren, and their little girl. But we know that together, with the help of friends, extended family, and our communities, we can help support the Lizardo family through this very challenging time.

If you feel moved to help, please consider making a donation. No amount is too small. Every dollar helps ease the financial burden and gives this family more resources to continue fighting for Will's release.

And if you're unable to give financially, please consider sharing this fundraiser and keeping this family in your prayers.

Will is not just an immigration case. He is a devoted husband, a father, a son, and someone deeply loved by his family and friends. His little girl deserves to have her daddy home. Lauren deserves to have her husband beside her.

Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts, for caring about this family and helping us support them through this incredibly difficult time. ❤️

With love and gratitude,

Jessel, on behalf of William’s extended family around the world.

Please note: Donations are considered personal gifts and are not tax-deductible. Funds raised will go directly to Lauren to help cover legal expenses already incurred and anticipated costs associated with Will's immigration case, as well as living expenses.