!UPDATE:Juan was released!

On a cold Sunday morning in January, while simply doing laundry, a Morristown High School senior was violently taken by Ice without warning. Leaving his family, shocked and terrified. What happened to him ripples beyond one family. His sudden detention has shaken the entire community. He is currently being held in Elizabeth detention center and is in touch with his legal counsel. Your donation will help him, and his fight for his rights.

The fundraiser was created by community members who refused to stay silent as families like this are torn apart. The family did not ask for this support – neighbors, friends and advocates came together because no one should have to face such violence, uncertainty, and injustice. For the privacy and dignity of this family, especially during this frightening time, we are keeping identifying and additional details limited.

Every donation is an act of solidarity and it sends a message that this family is not alone. 

*To ensure legal compliance and full transparency to the public, we have established a small committee of caring professionals to oversee this fund. Given the significant amount of money raised and the high-profile nature of this cause, it is crucial that we have rigorous fiscal oversight and transparent management to protect everyone involved. Juan’s older brother Jose has been designated as the beneficiary of the funds, with the committee recommending that the majority of the funds be retained for legal fees, court costs and expenses that ensure their long-term support.

Your generous donations have sent a clear message of support and have surpassed our expectations to help Juan, and to contribute toward his legal assistance and financial aid during these challenging and frightening times. Juan is on track to still graduate from MHS with honors this spring- although he missed 5 days of school while being detained in Elizabeth, he immediately returned to classes upon his release. If you would like to continue to donate, there are many others also needing help and support in our community, so please consider making a donation toward New Jersey Consortium for Immigrant Children at www.njcic.org or Wind of the Spirit at www.wots.org