Yesterday, my brother was taken into ICE detention just as we were about to begin a treatment plan for his mental health. I’m asking for help to support our efforts to bring him back to his family and get him the care he needs.

This morning, I went to the Sacramento facility where officers said they were taking him, but he was not there. We are now trying to locate him. Not knowing where he is or how he is doing has made an already painful situation even more frightening.

To protect his privacy, I am not sharing his name or specific details about his medical history. We may share additional information in the future, but his privacy and dignity remain a priority.

This past year has been incredibly difficult for him and for our family as we’ve worked to get him help. Those who know my brother know him as a kind person. Watching him struggle has been heartbreaking, and we are deeply worried about his wellbeing in detention.

My brother needs to be with family receiving care and treatment. If he is deported, he will have no one there to care for him. Given his mental health needs, that raises serious concerns about his health, safety, and ability to access treatment and meet his basic needs.

We currently have a volunteer attorney helping us, and we are grateful for that support. However, many volunteer and pro bono attorneys have been impacted, and we may need to hire a paid attorney as his case moves forward.

Donations will help cover paid legal representation if needed, along with expenses associated with seeking his release and any available immigration relief. If he is deported, the remaining funds will help us arrange for his safety, basic needs, and access to care wherever he is.

It’s difficult to ask for help, but we cannot face this alone. Any contribution will help our family navigate this uncertainty and advocate for my brother. If you cannot donate, please consider sharing this fundraiser.

Thank you for your kindness, support, and for respecting my brother’s privacy during such a difficult time.

Tomas Evangelista