URGENT: Help Laila & her husband Avoid Eviction After Illegal ICE Detention

In short: My friends Laila and Ajmal, Afghan refugees who have lived peacefully in the DC/Maryland/Virginia area for 4.5 years, were illegally detained by ICE last month while stopped at a red light. Two federal judges ruled their arrests were unlawful. They were transferred out of state and were separated for nearly a month. Now they’re home but can’t work due to a government freeze on Afghan work authorizations—and they’re facing eviction due to missed rent payments. Please help them keep their home.

What Happened

Last month, Laila and Ajmal were pulled from their car at a red light and arrested by ICE, despite being law-abiding refugees who have followed every immigration procedure. They were imprisoned and separated for nearly a month before two federal judges agreed their arrests were illegal and ordered their release. Even after returning home, they still cannot work because of the federal government’s freeze on work authorization applications for people from Afghanistan. Without income, they cannot pay rent and are now at risk of losing their home.

Who They Are

Laila and Ajmal’s story begins in Afghanistan, where their love nearly cost them their lives. Growing up, Laila was discouraged from attending school or leaving home, but she defied expectations, dreaming of becoming a doctor and choosing her own husband. She met Ajmal, a favorite student of her father’s and a star cricket player. They spoke secretly by phone for nearly two years and fell in love. When Laila’s family discovered she was speaking to a man without permission, they beat her so severely she required medical attention. They immediately arranged for her to marry a stranger. Ajmal asked for permission to marry Laila instead—her family refused and threatened his life. Laila and Ajmal decided to be together anyway. With Ajmal’s help, Laila escaped, and they married. Her family responded with death threats.

Why They Had to Flee

In Afghanistan, their “love marriage” is considered a grave offense by the Taliban and traditional communities. Both could be stoned to death for their choice. The couple fled to Kabul, where they felt safer in the presence of American troops. Ajmal found work with a subcontractor for the Afghan government, and for a time, they lived safely. But when U.S. troops began withdrawing, Laila’s family renewed their death threats. With the Taliban in power, there would be no escape from punishment. For their safety, Laila and Ajmal had to flee Afghanistan.

Their Life Here

They were brought to the United States on U.S. military-arranged flights 4.5 years ago. Since arriving, they have followed every immigration law and procedure. They have been working, paying taxes, and building a life in the DC/Maryland/Virginia area. They did everything right—until the government’s work authorization freeze left them unable to renew their work permits. Then came the illegal ICE detention that kept them separated for weeks and traumatized them.

How You Can Help

Laila and Ajmal have only just returned home after their unlawful arrests. Now they’re struggling to make ends meet and they’re facing eviction. Your donation will help them pay rent and stay in their home while they wait for their work authorization to be renewed. They came to America seeking safety. They’ve followed every rule. They deserve the chance to stay in the home they’ve worked so hard to build.

Thank you for helping them through this crisis.

Note: We cannot share personal photos of my friends due to security risks at the moment.