Our family is going through the hardest time we have ever faced.

My son has lived in the United States for the past 10 and a half years. He is married, self-employed, and a devoted father to five young children aged between 3 and 11. He has worked hard to support his family and build a life for them.

Everything changed suddenly this past week when he was pulled over by the local sheriff and taken to county jail in Knoxville, Tennessee. Since then, he has been transferred from Knoxville to Atlanta, then Alabama, and is now being held in an overcrowded immigration detention centre in Louisiana awaiting deportation back to the UK.

We have been given no clear timeframe, very few answers, and every single day is filled with uncertainty, fear, and heartbreak.

My daughter-in-law is trying desperately to hold everything together for their five children while coping with the emotional strain of barely being able to speak to her husband. At the moment, the only contact comes from a few short phone calls each day, paid for by sending him small amounts of money whenever possible.

At the same time, she is facing serious financial hardship. Her car has now broken down, making everyday life even more difficult — including getting the children to school, attending appointments, and even shopping for basic essentials.

As a family, we never imagined we would find ourselves in this position, and asking for help does not come easily. But right now, we urgently need support to help this family stay afloat and hopefully reunite together.

Funds raised will help towards:• Emergency travel and flight costs for the mother and five children• Essential household bills and daily living expenses• Phone and communication costs• Costs linked to my son’s return to the UK• Everyday support for the children during this incredibly difficult time

Every donation, no matter how small, would mean more than words can say to our family right now.

If you are unable to donate, please consider sharing this page and keeping our family in your thoughts.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your kindness, compassion, and support.

Jennifer Sweeney