I’m writing on behalf of our family to ask for urgent help raising funds for the legal defense of Cecil Quinonez, an immigrant mother of two U.S.-born children (ages 5 & 5 months) currently in detention in Louisiana.

Cecil was born in La Ceiba, Honduras. She came to the United States in 2014 at 14, after her mother opened an asylum case for them. In May 2024, that case was dismissed. The family did not receive a clear notice by mail that Cecil had an active order of removal or that she was in immediate danger of deportation.

What happened on December 31

On December 31st around 11:50 PM, Cecil was driving back home to Sebring, Florida, after visiting family in Clewiston. She was traveling with her two young children, born in the United States: her 5-year-old and her 5-month-old infant, whom she still breastfeeds. At the time, the baby was sick with fever and congestion, and Cecil was simply trying to get her children home safely.

During that drive, Cecil was pulled over in Venus, Florida. What should have been a routine stop turned into a traumatic moment for her children — they witnessed their mother being detained. Her family is heartbroken to share that her 5-year-old begged the officer not to take his mom. He is now confused, scared, and constantly asking where she is and when she’s coming home.

Confusion and conflicting information

In the hours and days after the stop, the family was given conflicting explanations about why Cecil was stopped, detained, and moved between facilities. We heard different reasons at different times about the reason for her detention, including claims about a warrant and a license issue. We tried to verify what we could, and it has been an exhausting, frightening experience navigating for the family while also caring for her children.

Cecil had a court date on Saturday, January 3rd, where the judge gave her the option to pay a $495 bond or serve 9 days. The family paid the bond immediately, hoping it would help her return home and reunite with her kids. But they were told she could not be released due to an ICE hold, and ICE took custody of her shortly after.

Cecil is pregnant — and had a medical emergency in custody

While in ICE custody, Cecil learned she is about 8 weeks pregnant.

On Tuesday, January 6th, she reported severe vaginal bleeding and was taken to the emergency room. She told us she was there for more than six hours, and that she was in pain, not eating properly, and struggling while detained. Since then, she has continued to report pain, bleeding, poor nutrition, and limited access to consistent prenatal care, all while under detention.

Transferred out of state without notice — facing imminent deportation

Without notice to the family, Cecil was transferred out of Florida to Richwood, Louisiana. We only learned where she was after searching for information ourselves. Now we are being told she faces imminent deportation, which is terrifying given her pregnancy complications and recent bleeding. We are deeply worried about her health and the safety of her unborn baby, especially with forced travel under these conditions.

Why we’re asking for help

We are raising funds to hire an experienced immigration attorney immediately to review Cecil’s case, file emergency motions if appropriate, and fight for her right to due process and safety. Our family is also trying to keep her children stable and cared for during an incredibly traumatic time.

Cecil is the primary caregiver to her children — including a breastfeeding infant. Her sudden detention has created a serious emotional and financial crisis for our family, and most of all, for her children who watched their mother be taken away.

Funds raised will go toward:

We will share updates as we are able. Every donation and every share helps.

Please help if you can

If you can donate, thank you from the bottom of our hearts. If you can’t, please share this GoFundMe. No child should have to beg for their mother not to be taken away — and no family should have to face this alone.