Help Bring Juan Pablo Ramirez Home to His Family

We are creating this fundraiser on behalf of a close family friend, Juan Pablo Ramírez — a loving husband, father, and hardworking member of our Fort Walton Beach community — who was recently unjustly detained by ICE and is now being held at what is known as "Alligator Alcatraz" in South Florida.

Juan Pablo is the devoted husband of Kenia, and the proud father of JP (10 years old) and Andrés (6 years old). He has worked for the same company for over a decade, earning the trust and respect of everyone around him. He’s deeply involved in his church — formerly at St. Sylvester’s in Navarre and now at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Fort Walton Beach — and is a caring, present parent in his children’s lives at St. Mary’s Catholic School.

A Law-Abiding Man, Detained for Helping Others

Juan Pablo applied for asylum in 2015 and waited nine long years to be granted his first court interview. His hearing is scheduled for next month, and it is critical that he be there.

Juan Pablo had every reason to feel secure in his status:

• He had a valid work permit

• A Florida driver’s license

• A clean record and lawful employment for 10+ years

• A pending asylum case he’s patiently followed through every legal channel

Last week, several of his coworkers were stopped and detained by Florida Highway Patrol. Juan Pablo was called to help translate and retrieve the company vehicle. He went — out of loyalty, responsibility, and kindness — never imagining that he would be detained as well.

ICE told him his legal status “did not matter.” They took him into custody, separating him from his wife and children, despite years of lawful presence and due process.

Why We’re Asking for Help

With Juan Pablo now in detention, Kenia, JP, and Andres are left with no income and no way to cover their basic needs. They are facing immediate hardship — unable to pay for rent, food or utilities — all while fighting to bring Juan Pablo home in time for his hearing.

Our Goal is to Raise money to support these urgent needs:

If Juan Pablo misses next month’s hearing, he could be forcibly deported, despite doing everything by the book for nearly a decade.

Please Help Keep This Family Together

Juan Pablo Ramírez is a father, a husband, a friend, and a man of faith. He has spent years giving back to his community, supporting his family, and following every legal step toward a better life. Now, he needs our help.

Please consider donating. If you can’t give financially, sharing this fundraiser can make all the difference.

Let’s help bring Juan Pablo back home to Kenia, JP, and Andres, and give this family the chance to stay together.

Thank you for your kindness, your support, and your prayers.

With love and gratitude.

Vivian Pérez

Illy Reiker

Tara Wesley

Emily Rigby

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