This fund is to raise money for K's legal fees. She has asked not to be named or have a photo shown due to escaping extreme gang and domestic violence in Ecuador, and worrying for the safety of her family members who still live there. K is a friend of my mom's who was arrested by ICE and is being held in Baldwin, Michigan. Here is her story:

K was abducted by ICE in August of 2025, while leaving one of her legally required immigration appointments in New Jersey. She has never missed an appointment since entering the United States legally in 2023. She has no criminal record. K fled her home in Ecuador to escape extreme gang violence- (physical harm, sexual abuse, and even twice destroying the small shop she ran to support her family) and domestic abuse from her now ex-husband. She traveled for a month, at night, by bus and on foot. Since arriving, she has been making a new life in New Jersey.

Despite following all the rules, ICE arrested K as she was leaving her immigration appointment, put her in shackles, and brought her to a detention center in New Jersey. After a month, she was moved to a privately owned detention center in Baldwin, Michigan, where she has been for the last 5 months. My mom met her as a volunteer visitor and has returned several times to learn her story and spend time with her.

Despite coming into the country legally and following all rules, K has received a deportation notice that would send her to Honduras, where she knows absolutely no one. She would also arrive with no money, since her funds have been exhausted on legal fees to appeal the deportation notice. Her appeal is currently pending.

An immigration lawyer that our family knows has agreed to take over K's case at a generously reduced rate. My mom and I are trying to raise at least $3,000.00 for K's legal fees so she can leave the Baldwin detention center and return to the life she is (legally!) building here in the United States.