Dear Friends, Family, and Kind Strangers,

My heart is heavy as I reach out for help for someone I love like a brother.

My name is Taylen. For 9 years—since we were both just 15, 16. Izzy and I have been best friends and roommates here in Utah. Now 24, he is one of the most faithful, kind, intelligent, and hardworking young men I’ve ever known.

Israel came from Ghana with big, honest dreams: to earn an education, work hard, become self-reliant and one day serve a full-time mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He grew up Catholic, felt the Spirit call him to the restored gospel, and was baptized in December. Since then his light has only grown brighter. He’s touched countless hearts, including everyone in our household.

As my roommate he has always contributed to our home and lived with integrity. His record shows only minor misdemeanors, nothing that defines the good man he is.

Last Monday his probation officer unexpectedly contacted ICE about his overstayed student visa. Israel is now detained in ICE facility facing removal proceedings. This has turned our lives upside down—our rent has increased because he’s no longer here to help cover it, job plans have been disrupted, and the stability we built together is shaken.

Even in detention, Israel is a light. He is preaching the gospel, uplifting other detainees, and sharing hope during their darkest days. The Lord has blessed him with almost daily phone calls to me—a tender mercy that means the world, even though each call costs money.

His court hearing is set for in March very soon!

This Friday, February 27th, we have a critical consultation with a respected Utah immigration and criminal defense firm. I’ve already paid the $250 consultation fee as his primary contact and will be right there with him.

With strong legal representation, we believe Israel has a real chance to stay, finish his education, continue working, serve a mission, and keep building the life he came here for. But legal defense is expensive, and neither of us has the funds right now.

That’s why I’m asking for your help.

Every donation—$5, $10, $25, whatever you can give—will go directly toward attorney fees, filing costs, and whatever else the lawyers recommend after Friday’s meeting. I will update the campaign immediately with exact numbers and receipts so you can see exactly where your gift is going.

If you can’t donate, please share this, pray for Izzy, or send him an encouraging message I can pass along. Even small acts of love make a difference.

Izzy is not just fighting for his future—he’s fighting to keep serving the Lord, to keep being the light he was born to be, and to return to the home and community that needs him.

I’ve already seen miracles in this situation. I believe more are coming if we come together in faith and compassion.

From the bottom of my heart—thank you.

Taylen

P.S. I will post regular updates after the February 27 consultation so everyone knows exactly how the funds are being used.