This is not a political post. Any negativity or political commentary will be removed.

This story begins several years ago, almost to the date.

Back in 2021, when I was still in my Burnsville studio, a sweet Hispanic family walked through my doors for the first time. I didn’t yet know how deeply our lives would intertwine. Mom was pregnant with their fourth child. They already had three kids, two girls and one boy, and that boy was hoping so hard for a little brother. His wish wasn’t granted, but I can promise you he wouldn’t trade his little sister for anything in the world.

Over the years, I had the honor of photographing so many milestones for this family. A newborn session, first-year milestones, holiday photos, two-year portraits, a very special quinceañera session for their oldest daughter, another maternity session (yup, another girl. Sorry bro!), and then more milestones.

If you’ve ever worked with families, you know when one stands out. This was one of those families. Their children are some of the most polite, respectful kids you could meet. Their family dynamic is close-knit, full of warmth and genuine love. Dad is like many dads and doesn’t love being in front of the camera, but I can always get a couple of genuine smiles from him each session. Especially when I tell him how lucky he is to be standing next to his beautiful wife. His smile says it all in those moments.

Over time, they became one of my favorite studio families. When I think of a “typical Hispanic family,” they are exactly who comes to mind: strong values, deep love, hard work, and a beautiful contribution to our community and our country.

Unfortunately, this story took a heartbreaking turn.

Last fall, mom reached out to me with a heavy heart to cancel a photo package she had been so excited about. She shared that immigration had come for one of their roofing crews. Because those workers were employed by their business, they were trying to help the affected families and their attorneys financially. That alone tells you the kind of people they are. The kind who put others before themselves, even when it costs them.

Recently, I reached out just to check on them. Her response broke me.

They have been home for over a month and a half, not leaving the house at all. Her husband had come dangerously close to being taken earlier this month. Immigration came to his job, and only through quick thinking, help from others, and sheer luck was he able to make it home safely.

Since then, they have been living in constant fear. They don’t even feel safe taking out the trash or clearing their driveway. Their children’s teachers now pick them up and bring them home from school so the kids can maintain some sense of normalcy and continue their education. Friends, neighbors, and family have been quietly dropping off food, groceries, and activities for the kids.

Through all of this, she never asked me for help.

But I felt compelled to ask the hard question: Are you okay financially?

That’s when we both broke down.

The father came to the U.S. 22 years ago with his father. The mother came here 26 years ago with her parents. She has DACA, a program that protects certain undocumented individuals who were brought here as children. It must be renewed every two years and does not provide legal status, permanent residency, or a path to citizenship. She was brought here as a child, not by choice, and after decades of living here, building a family, and contributing to society, she still lives without true security.

Dad owns his own business and has worked tirelessly to provide for his family. Three years ago, they were able to buy a beautiful home in the south metro area. He has not been able to return to work out of fear that he may be taken and never come home. Imagine being the provider for your family, having built a business with your own hands, and being unable to work because doing so could mean losing everything.

Neither of them has committed any crimes. They are hardworking, self-sufficient, and contributing members of our society. This is their home. This is where their children were raised. Deportation would mean sending them to a place that is no longer familiar, forcing them to start over with nothing.

When I asked about finances, she said through tears that money is going to become a very real struggle soon. She never imagined being in this situation.

For their protection, I am not sharing names or faces publicly. I will be listed as the beneficiary of this fundraiser to protect their identity. They will be able to see every donation and update, and when the fundraiser closes, I will personally deliver the funds directly to them.

If you are able to help this family in any way, please know that your support will mean more than words can express. Even if you cannot donate, sharing this or keeping them in your thoughts matters.

Their young son made the image pictured for his aunt to take to a protest.

“My family deserves safety, not fear.”

No child should have to live with that kind of fear. No child should have to ask for safety for their family.

Thank you for reading. Thank you for caring. And thank you for any support you’re able to offer. There are so sufficient words to describe how much this will mean for them.

If you have any questions please reach out to me privately.