Renata is my friend, and we met while both of us were at the Otay Mesa detention center. She spent 15 long months there before finally being released with protection from deportation. After so much hardship, she was finally able to get her freedom and start planning for a better future. But now, she’s facing the same nightmare all over again.

Recently, Renata was called to an unplanned appointment at the ICE office. She was told by an officer that they just wanted to get to know her, but instead, she was detained again. This is the second time she’s been targeted, even though the system claims to focus on criminals. It’s heartbreaking to see innocent people like Renata caught up in a broken system, powerless to defend themselves.

Renata urgently needs help to pay for a lawyer so she can fight for her freedom and have a chance to rebuild her life. If we are able to raise more than what is needed for her legal fees, any extra funds will go toward covering Renata’s bills while she is in detention, such as phone calls, food, and other required fees. I am asking for any support you can give to Renata who is in this devastating and difficult situation. She has no family in here, just us friends and you, who can help. Even sharing this fundraiser or spreading the word can make a difference. Thank you so much to anyone who doesn’t stay aside and helps Renata in her fight for justice.