Carlos Urrutia & Familia
Donation protected
*UPDATED 7/30/18*
Carlos' circumstances have changed drastically. Carlos attended his sentencing at Ramsey County court house last Thursday and it went very well but as we we're leaving there was 2 plain clothed men waiting for Carlos. They were unidentified ICE agents. Although they refused to show us any documentation of an arrest warrant and he wasn't do to check in at ICE until 8/15, they arrested him. They refused to answer any of our questions about who they were and why they were taking Carlos into custody. The incident really shook us and gave us a firsthand look behind the fear that so many feel everyday! Since Carlos is in custody we are pressed for time on filing the two petitions needed to stop his removal and also pressed for finances as these two petitions are far more urgent and costly. So, I've changed our goal to reflect the new cost. And in the end if Carlos is removed the money will be used to help ease the process of uprooting his whole life and family and moving them to Mexico. Thank for all those who gave already and thank you to those praying for us!
*7/25/18*
We are reaching out for your support on behalf of the family of Carlos Urrutia. For over a year Carlos has been fighting to keep his family intact here in the U.S. and we recently received news that the fight may go on longer than we had thought. Carlos has lived in the U.S. for over 20 years and has a wife, 3 amazing U.S. citizen children and many, many young nieces and nephews that adore their Tio. He is a hardworking and involved father and family man. His kids are on varsity sports teams and involved in wonderful leadership programs through their schools, none of which would be possible without the support of their dad. Carlos has been the main breadwinner for the family, working 2 or more jobs to pay for the cost of living and the kids activities. But in 2017 everything changed.
Since March of 2017 Carlos has been fighting to stay in the country. That's when he was arrested for a DUI after a trip to get pizza. He was released from Ramsey County but immediately taken into ICE custody to start the process for removal. After months of hearings and testimonies from his kids, church and even the superintendent of the school district we were able to prove "exceptional and extremely unusual hardship" which is very hard to prove and only happens in about 10% of all cases like ours. We thought our fight to keep our family together was over but they appealed the judges ruling and so we were left to wait.
While waiting through the appeal process we were able to get another bail hearing and were able to post bond and get Carlos home to hug his wife and children because while in custody they were only able to see him through tv screen! While home Carlos attended an amazing addiction and recovery program at MN Adult and Teen Challenge. He continued his high involvement within his church and has been heavily involved with various panels raising awareness for various immigrant rights. He has not stopped focusing on his family, his faith or advocating for those that don't have anything. Unfortunately, Carlos has been unable to work do to not receiving a work permit like we thought he would. This loss of the main income has taken its toll on the family as you can imagine.
Though we remain hopeful, Carlos recently received a notice from immigration telling him that the immigration court of appeals does not agree with the initial immigration judge and he is in danger of deportation again. Which would put even more emotional and finical strain on his family, not to mention that uprooting his kids could be devastating. Here is home, for all of them!
We are looking for the generosity of many to help with this fight. We need your contributions to help pay for the lawyer fees to reopen Carlos' case. Our attorney believes they didn't look at his recovery when determining whether or not he should stay the U.S. They made no mention of it in their letter of appeal. He has to prove that he has been an important part of our community and that his family also needs him here in the country with them, all of which we have evidence to back up.
Here is a break down of how your generosity will be used...
-$2,000 for attorney fees
-approximately $1,000 for daily living/moving expenses
-approximately $500+ for school clothes, supplies and sports fees for his 3 kids
In the end we know God has had his hand in all of this and He has the best outcome for our family in mind. He continues to teach us resilience, reliance, trust, patience and we are so grateful for the compassion He has shown and taught us! Thank you so much for reading our story and please continue to pray for us but more so for those who continue to fight without the love and support that we have been so blessed with.
<>< The Urrutia's
Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves;
Ensure justice for those being crushed.
Yes, speak up for the poor and helpless,
And see that they get justice. ~Proverbs 31:8-9
Carlos' circumstances have changed drastically. Carlos attended his sentencing at Ramsey County court house last Thursday and it went very well but as we we're leaving there was 2 plain clothed men waiting for Carlos. They were unidentified ICE agents. Although they refused to show us any documentation of an arrest warrant and he wasn't do to check in at ICE until 8/15, they arrested him. They refused to answer any of our questions about who they were and why they were taking Carlos into custody. The incident really shook us and gave us a firsthand look behind the fear that so many feel everyday! Since Carlos is in custody we are pressed for time on filing the two petitions needed to stop his removal and also pressed for finances as these two petitions are far more urgent and costly. So, I've changed our goal to reflect the new cost. And in the end if Carlos is removed the money will be used to help ease the process of uprooting his whole life and family and moving them to Mexico. Thank for all those who gave already and thank you to those praying for us!
*7/25/18*
We are reaching out for your support on behalf of the family of Carlos Urrutia. For over a year Carlos has been fighting to keep his family intact here in the U.S. and we recently received news that the fight may go on longer than we had thought. Carlos has lived in the U.S. for over 20 years and has a wife, 3 amazing U.S. citizen children and many, many young nieces and nephews that adore their Tio. He is a hardworking and involved father and family man. His kids are on varsity sports teams and involved in wonderful leadership programs through their schools, none of which would be possible without the support of their dad. Carlos has been the main breadwinner for the family, working 2 or more jobs to pay for the cost of living and the kids activities. But in 2017 everything changed.
Since March of 2017 Carlos has been fighting to stay in the country. That's when he was arrested for a DUI after a trip to get pizza. He was released from Ramsey County but immediately taken into ICE custody to start the process for removal. After months of hearings and testimonies from his kids, church and even the superintendent of the school district we were able to prove "exceptional and extremely unusual hardship" which is very hard to prove and only happens in about 10% of all cases like ours. We thought our fight to keep our family together was over but they appealed the judges ruling and so we were left to wait.
While waiting through the appeal process we were able to get another bail hearing and were able to post bond and get Carlos home to hug his wife and children because while in custody they were only able to see him through tv screen! While home Carlos attended an amazing addiction and recovery program at MN Adult and Teen Challenge. He continued his high involvement within his church and has been heavily involved with various panels raising awareness for various immigrant rights. He has not stopped focusing on his family, his faith or advocating for those that don't have anything. Unfortunately, Carlos has been unable to work do to not receiving a work permit like we thought he would. This loss of the main income has taken its toll on the family as you can imagine.
Though we remain hopeful, Carlos recently received a notice from immigration telling him that the immigration court of appeals does not agree with the initial immigration judge and he is in danger of deportation again. Which would put even more emotional and finical strain on his family, not to mention that uprooting his kids could be devastating. Here is home, for all of them!
We are looking for the generosity of many to help with this fight. We need your contributions to help pay for the lawyer fees to reopen Carlos' case. Our attorney believes they didn't look at his recovery when determining whether or not he should stay the U.S. They made no mention of it in their letter of appeal. He has to prove that he has been an important part of our community and that his family also needs him here in the country with them, all of which we have evidence to back up.
Here is a break down of how your generosity will be used...
-$2,000 for attorney fees
-approximately $1,000 for daily living/moving expenses
-approximately $500+ for school clothes, supplies and sports fees for his 3 kids
In the end we know God has had his hand in all of this and He has the best outcome for our family in mind. He continues to teach us resilience, reliance, trust, patience and we are so grateful for the compassion He has shown and taught us! Thank you so much for reading our story and please continue to pray for us but more so for those who continue to fight without the love and support that we have been so blessed with.
<>< The Urrutia's
Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves;
Ensure justice for those being crushed.
Yes, speak up for the poor and helpless,
And see that they get justice. ~Proverbs 31:8-9
Fundraising team: Urrutia United (3)
Candice Urrutia
Organizer
St. Paul, MN
Carlos Urrutia
Team member
Hilary Ziols
Team member
