Carlos and Iker Need Help After Celina's Abduction by ICE

Celina came to the U.S. two years ago with her partner, Carlos, and their now 4-year-old son Iker Javier, hoping to build a better life. She worked hard selling tacos on the streets of Ladera Heights in Los Angeles, doing what she could to support her family.

But on Monday, everything changed. While working outside Home Depot, Celina was suddenly attacked by several masked men who forced her into a car and drove off. She was later located in an ICE detention center, far from her family.

Carlos, a day laborer, was left alone, caring for their young son, who kept asking when his mamá would come home. Celina is a mother, a partner, and a beloved member of her community. She deserves to be safe.

After weeks of uncertainty, legal dead ends, and inhumane treatment, Celina has made the devastating decision to self-deport to El Salvador. She is choosing to leave the U.S. not because she wants to, but because she has no other legal options left—and because she urgently needs to be reunited with her son, who just turned 5. Her choice is one made out of love, survival, and the determination to care for her family.

We are continuing to raise funds to assist Carlos and Iker as they transition through this incredibly painful time, and to support Celina in safely rebuilding her life back home.

Dear family friend, Andrea Aguilar, will be handling funds for the family and distributing the donations via cash.

Please donate, share Celina’s story, and stand with this family. No one should vanish without a trace while simply trying to work and care for their loved ones. Let’s show Celina and her family they are not alone—whether in the U.S. or back in El Salvador.