Help Free Jackie & Family, Wrongly Detained by Immigration
Donation protected
We are urgently raising funds to support Kenia Jackeline Merlos ("Jackie"), a devoted mother, wife and friend, who has been wrongfully detained by ICE—along with her four young U.S.-citizen children and her elderly mother, Juana, and her husband, Carlos. The most alarming fact: Jackie and her children have been missing for over 12 days, and their location is still unknown.
What began as a simple family trip to Peace Arch Park — a place Jackie had safely visited in the past to visit family in Canada — has turned into a devastating immigration nightmare. We are calling on our community to help us raise $50,000+ to cover urgent legal costs and family support.
Why We’re Raising Funds:
Jackie, her children, and her elderly mother were detained by immigration authorities under false allegations of human trafficking — a claim stemming from a misunderstanding at the U.S.-Canada border. Jackie’s sister, who is a legal resident of Canada, stepped across the boundary while saying goodbye, which triggered this unfounded accusation.
Currently:
- Jackie and her four children remain missing - including 9-year-old triplets and a 7-year-old brother
- Her mother, Juana, is in detention in Tacoma.
- Her husband, Carlos, was detained by ICE outside their Portland home.
- This family urgently needs legal support, bond funding, and resources to reunite and recover from this traumatic separation.
How Funds Will Be Used:
All funds raised will be managed by Mimi Lettunich and Kris Wigger, trusted friends and legal guardians named to care for Jackie’s children in case of emergency.
Donations will directly cover:
- Immigration attorney fees for multiple family members
- Immigration bond payments to secure releases
- Emergency transportation and relocation costs
- Basic needs and care for the children while separated from their parents
- Advocacy and translation services as needed
About Us:
We are close friends of Jackie and Carlos, and part of the community that loves and supports their family. Mimi and Kris are actively working with legal teams, their church, Congresswoman Maxine Dexter's office and advocacy organizations to locate and protect them. We’re coordinating this campaign on behalf of the family and will provide updates as we learn more.
Organiser
Michelle Lettunich
Organiser
Portland, OR