<div>A really great friend was detained in Manhattan by ICE while on his way home a couple of days ago. <strong>He has been a family friend for years—one of the kindest, most humble, and hardest-working people I know.</strong> He is the type of person who lifts others up, builds community, and treats everyone with dignity.
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<div>We’re launching this GoFundMe to help cover his legal defense, ensuring he has strong, committed representation at every stage of his case—from requesting bond to securing his right to due process. <em>If more funds are raised than needed, all remaining funds will be donated to organizations helping individuals in similar situations.</em>
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<div><strong>Why Our Friend Needs Help—Now</strong>
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<div>Local nonprofits are overwhelmed and drowning in caseloads, unable to provide legal representation. Because immigration proceedings are civil matters, the Sixth Amendment's right to free legal counsel does not apply in this situation. <strong>If we don’t hire a lawyer, our friend will face court completely alone.</strong>
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<div>We appreciate your support, from the bottom of our hearts!!!
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<div>Any funds raised through this GoFundMe campaign will be used to:
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<li><strong>Investigate court cancellation</strong> – Determine why our friend's hearing was canceled and why no new date has been set.
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<li><strong>Request and represent at a Bond Hearing</strong> – Advocate before an Immigration Judge for our friend's release on bond while his case is pending.
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<li><strong>Provide full legal representation</strong> – Defend our friend at his Master Hearing and all future Merits Hearings.
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<div>Your support makes a huge difference and is so, so, so appreciated. Please share with your community if you are able to.
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<div>Thank you!! Our friend's family, my community, and I will forever be in your debt.
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Anonymous

Rocquan Lucas

Meghan Heintz

Adrienne Rosenthal

Rebecca Distler

Patricia Alejandro

Chelsea Allen

Nkem Oghedo

Jenny Dodson

Michael Oppong

Yecca Zeng

Help Our Friend Secure Legal Defense

Help Our Friend Secure Legal Defense

Still $9,390 to go. Help us build momentum.