Manoel Rodrigues is our dad. He is the embodiment of courage, strength, love, and kindness—the person we look up to and rely on every day.

But on Friday, 09/12/25, everything changed. Like every other morning, he kissed my mom and sister goodbye as he left for work. What wasn’t part of his daily routine was being stopped and detained by ICE, ironically, while on his way to contribute to the very country that no longer feels welcoming.

He wasn’t allowed to call us before being taken. We didn’t hear from him until five long days later—five days filled with fear and uncertainty, not knowing if he was okay, if he was eating, or if he was safe.

Right now, we are in contact with a lawyer and praying for a positive outcome. But since our dad is the primary provider for our household, our family is struggling to cover expenses, legal fees, and daily needs.

Although these circumstances make it hard to hold on to hope, the American Dream still lives in our hearts. If you cannot support us financially, we completely understand. We ask instead that you keep our dad, our family, and every immigrant family going through this same hardship in your prayers.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. God bless you!