Help BJ Rebuild Life After Deportation

My stepdad BJ was unexpectedly deported, and it has turned our world upside down. He was picked up by ICE and less than 12 hours later, he was out of the country. My mother, his wife of 17 years, was not communicated with or allowed to bring him anything before they dropped him off at a facility in Mexico. By the time I was able to speak to him, he was already in Tijuana. We're now raising funds to help cover the immediate costs of housing, food, and transportation as they try to rebuild their life from scratch. This sudden separation has placed emotional and financial strain on our entire family, especially my mom who depended on his support. Any contribution, no matter how small, will go directly toward helping them find stability and hope during this incredibly difficult time.

I want to share a little about WHO he is. BJ, or Tata as my kids call him, is someone who will drop everything to help you, even if you are a stranger. He has driven 16-hour plus drives to help me move, to see a new baby, or to just show love for my kids. Usually, only saying he can stay for a day but the girls tricking him into longer. He most recently drove that 16-hour drive in one day nonstop so my older brother would be able to say goodbye to our uncle who was dying of liver failure. He stayed less than 24 hours due to having to work to support his family but never complained. He has been there for all the major events in our lives. The little blonde curly head was 3 years old in that photo. She's the same one standing next to him at her high school graduation. That teenage boy is my little brother who he took on as his own. The same man he is standing next to at his wedding. That little baby he is holding is my youngest daughter who every time my phone rings asks if it's Tata. BJ is the man who fell in love with my mom and finally treated her properly. The person who never segregated "her" kids from "his" and the one who has consistently shown love, appreciation, and support for everyone around him.

BJ will not be able to come back to the U.S. for multiple years, if ever. He was wronged not only by the attorney they trusted but by unfortunate circumstances and the many losses life has continued to throw at him. He was brought here as a child and each time as an adult when he went to apply for papers, the person chosen as his sponsor passed away. First, his mother, his intended sponsor, passed. Then losing his daughter and grieving from that. Less than four years later, losing his son, another potential sponsor. He has been married to my mother for 17 years and she has chosen to leave everything and move to Mexico with him. This man has suffered through unimaginable things. Yet the first thing he said to me after being deported was "ICE is faster than FedEx. Free international shipping. 12-hour, same day." If that doesn't speak VOLUMES about the positivity this man radiates, I don't know what else could.

Please consider donating. While BJ is already hard at work helping himself, both he and my mom need a little hand up and your generosity is very appreciated!