My name is José Fernando Yugar Cruz. I am from Bolivia.

I came to the United States to ask for protection—and I won protection from torture through my asylum case. I followed the law. I defended myself in court. I did everything the right way.

But today, I am being held in detention again.

And now, the government is trying to deport me—not to Bolivia, but to Congo, a country I have never lived in.

I have no family there. No home. No support. I don’t know what will happen to me if I am sent there.

My Story

I was detained by ICE for a year and a half while fighting my case. During that time, I was not alone.

Escucha Mi Voz Iowa and Conversations with Friends in Minnesota supported me. Because of that support, I won my case and was released in December.

I thought my fight was over.

But now, they are trying to send me away again.

I am not a criminal.

I have not harmed anyone.

I came here only to seek safety.

✊ Why I’m Asking for Help

Right now, I am fighting to stay in this country.

But if I am deported to Congo, I will need immediate support just to survive—housing, food, and basic safety. I will also need legal support to continue fighting my case.

We are raising $10,000 to cover:

⚖️ Emergency legal support

Basic living expenses if I am deported

Support and coordination in an unfamiliar country

✈️ Ongoing efforts to fight for my safety and return

Here in Iowa, I found a new family.

Escucha Mi Voz.

The Catholic Worker House where I lived.

People who stood with me when I had nothing.

You are my family.

My Message

I am asking you now:

Please stand with me.

I believe that with your support, we can win again.

I believe in people power.

I believe in justice.

Thank you for standing with me, for fighting with me, and for supporting people like me.

We are going to win.

— José Fernando Yugar Cruz