I have been openly sharing my current circumstances and hardships, and I feel it necessary to speak truth to power. I will never be silenced or intimidated by any person or system put in place by darkness. Marcos, my ex-partner, is an immigrant from Mexico who is legally here on a work visa. He is also a well-renowned surrealism artist in the River Arts District, and together we have a studio—Studio 44 in Asheville, NC—where we both sell our art.

After Marcos broke the restraining order three times in one week, I was encouraged by law enforcement, the magistrate, and my case worker to press charges for my own protection and well-being. I was told many times that they would not call ICE and that he would be safe because he is here on a work visa. That was a lie.

Marcos was detained by ICE on Friday, even after I dropped the charges and the restraining order. He may have made some very hurtful and scary decisions that led to me needing to protect myself and my children, but he does not deserve to be shipped to a detention facility in Georgia where he is currently being held. He was not given due process, and I was not informed, nor did the federal government respect the laws our state has put in place to help support families in crisis situations. I spoke to him yesterday, and he told me the conditions they are being held under. It is inhumane and despicable. At night, they are chained and sleep on cold floors with only a small mattress and nothing else. They haven’t let him outside, and he hasn’t seen the sky in days. This is state-sanctioned cruelty and a human rights violation happening without accountability or oversight.

No one should be treated this way, especially without due process. This is actually happening, and it is NOT OK. We must fight for people who cannot fight for themselves. I am ready to do whatever it takes to stop this human rights violation. We need prayer. We need God. We need forgiveness and love. I am asking for your support to help cover the $6,000 needed for legal fees to hire an immigration attorney who can fight for Marcos's rights and help him receive fair treatment. Your funds are also going to helping support his son who no longer has the financial support of his father. You can bring hope and justice to someone who desperately needs it.