We are humbly asking for support to help cover the legal fees and related expenses needed to fight for my dad’s release from ICE detention in California City, California. He is a legal permanent resident in the U.S., the attorney’s fees have already surpassed a significant amount, and the legal process is still ongoing. Any donation, no matter the amount, will go directly toward legal representation, court-related costs, and travel expenses for my mom as she supports my dad through this incredibly difficult time.

My mom and dad have been together since they were teenagers, married for 56 years, and have raised eight children together. They are both retired now; my mom is in her late 60s, and my dad is in his 70s. Like every family, we have had our ups and downs, but one thing has always remained true: we show up for each other.

On the night of April 2, my dad, a green card holder, was detained by ICE at Fresno International Airport after returning from Mexico, where he had visited his childhood home following my grandmother’s passing. His detention is related to offenses from nearly 30 years ago, which are matters that went through the legal process decades ago and that he has already undergone the consequences for. Now, many years later, his future in this country and with our family is at risk. My mom, despite being retired, has worked hard to retain legal counsel who has worked with her financially to fight for his release. She has always been the saver, the steady one, the person who quietly figures things out for everyone else. But the legal fees have already become overwhelming. The costs are more than any retired couple should have to carry alone.

My siblings and I are helping in every way we can, offering financially, talking to friends and family for support, completing fundraisers of several kinds, you name it. But, the reality is that the expenses are growing quickly. Donations will help cover my dad’s legal fees and the costs associated with my mom traveling to California City in Southern California to support him while he remains detained. My dad calls and shares how difficult the conditions have been. He has several medical conditions he is dealing with that are being ignored and at his age, being separated from his wife, children, grandchildren, and home has been incredibly painful. Giving him hope has been hard, but we are doing everything we can to remind him that he is not forgotten and that his family is fighting for him.

We are not asking anyone to judge him by mistakes from decades ago. We are asking for help giving him a fair chance, supporting my mom through this fight, and helping our family bring our dad home. Any amount helps. If you are unable to donate, sharing this page would mean so much to us. Thank you for standing with our family, for your prayers, for your support, and for taking the time to read our story.