I want to tell you about my friend, Isa (eesa). In her home country of Venezuela, Isa worked as an EMT and firefighter. She had worked hard for this life. But when her father, the Chief of Police, released a political prisoner, she was kidnapped by Maduro’s regime and tortured. After her release, with her father’s help, she fled Venezuela, leaving her three daughters behind. Soon after, her father was assassinated.

Isa finished her long, dangerous journey and finally arrived at our southern border in 2023. Knowing she will never be able to safely return to her home country, she has followed all the requisite procedures according to US law and has an asylum claim filed. With a work permit, Social Security number, and Arizona driver’s license, she’s been able to make ends meet—until the current administration removed Venezuelans' TPS status and revoked other protections.

Knowing ICE was in Tucson, Isa stayed at home for five days. On day six, as she walked out of her bank at Broadway and Wilmot, she was taken by ICE. She was immediately taken to the detention center on Valencia. By nightfall, she was on her way to Eloy, where she has been for over a week. The conditions are horrible and she is in need of medical care. Needless to say, Isa’s PTSD is quite triggered by almost everything that is happening to her.

Isa has immigration and detention lawyers working on her release as we speak. Here is where “we” come in. We can’t help Isa get out—we are relying on her heroes to do that. But we can help with legal fees, application fees, food, rent, and other essentials. The goal isn’t to rebuild everything at once—it’s to help Isa keep her sanity and hope by paying her bills for now, so she can focus on her health and her case without worrying about financial survival.

Many of you have asked how you can help. You can help me help Isa. And in doing so, you will be helping to remind Isa that she is not alone and that there is hope. I appreciate your participating in this effort. It means more to me than you know.