Hello everyone,

I never imagined I’d be writing something like this, but my roommate and dear friend Jesus has been detained by ICE, and our hearts are heavy.

On December 19th, we checked the mail before heading out and found a letter telling Jesus he needed to report to the ICE office on December 28th. We were confused and worried because his next scheduled appointment wasn’t until June of 2029. Nothing about this sudden request made sense, but we showed up anyway, hoping it was just a routine check-in.

Jesus did miss an appointment in September, but we had already explained why. That same month, he was seriously injured at work when a coworker lost control of a pressure washer hose. It struck his arm so forcefully that he needed over 20 stitches inside and out and a full month of physical therapy. He wasn’t neglecting anything; he was recovering from an accident that wasn’t his fault.

Jesus is one of the kindest, most genuine souls I’ve ever met. He’s an incredible son, brother, and uncle. He came here seeking asylum at 20 years old and has done everything asked of him to build a peaceful, honest life. He was born on December 25th and had just turned 22. He works hard, keeps to himself, and spends his free time quietly playing his games at home. He has no family here, just me and a few friends who care deeply about him.

What breaks my heart is how much he has carried on his own. Despite his injury and the challenges of navigating a new country alone, Jesus has been supporting his family back home, paying his sister’s tuition and helping with his mother’s medical expenses as she goes in and out of the hospital for testing. On top of that, he has medical bills from his work injury that his job refused to cover, and a debt he has been paying off month by month.

Jesus has always shown up for the people he loves. Now he needs us to show up for him.

I’m asking for help not just for Jesus, but for the family who depends on him and is terrified for him right now. Any contribution, no matter the size, will help ease the financial weight he’s been carrying alone. And if you can’t donate, sharing this means more than you know.

Thank you for taking the time to read his story. Thank you for caring. And thank you for helping us fight for someone who truly deserves safety, compassion, and a chance to continue the life he worked so hard to build.