My name is Manuel Carrera, and I never imagined I would be writing something like this.

My father, Manuel Carrera Rojas, was recently detained by ICE while he was working, doing what he has always done—providing for his family. My dad didn’t commit a crime. He wasn’t hurting anyone. He was simply working hard, like he has for over 20 years in the United States, trying to give his family a better life.

For more than two decades, my father has lived here with no criminal record of any kind. He is a loving father, a hardworking man, and the backbone of our family. His sudden detention has turned our lives upside down. One moment he was at work, and the next, our family was left scared, confused, and broken, not knowing when or if we will see him again.

Without my dad, our family is struggling emotionally and financially. We are facing overwhelming legal and immigration costs, possible bond expenses, and everyday bills that my father worked so hard to cover. The pain of not having him home is something no family should have to experience.

We are asking for help during the hardest moment of our lives. Any donation—no matter how small—will go toward:

• Immigration and legal fees

• Bond costs

• Supporting our family while my father is detained

• Basic living and emergency expenses

If you are unable to donate, please consider sharing our story. Your support, prayers, and kindness mean everything to us. We are holding onto hope that with help, we can bring our father home where he belongs.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for standing with our family.

— Manuel Carrera