As many of you know, my mother, Erika Cruz, was detained among many others one week ago while she was on her way to work. My life has changed in the blink of an eye as she was the biggest help and support with my newborn.

My mother would make 29 years living in this country at the end of the year. She’s made this country her home since she has been living here for more than half her life. She came here for a better life at 14/15 years of age. She’s been a single mother all her life and has raised both my brother Emanuel and I on her own with the help of her parents. We never saw her give up and she always made things happen. Now that we are adults she still goes above and beyond for her 2 kids. She’s officially a first time grandma and I can only imagine the pain she is in to not be able to hold and tend to her biggest joy. It’s no secret, she would brag about seeing her boy after work or in the morning.

Now I have so many decisions to make as we proceed with this long battle to get her back. This process will not be an easy battle. Anything will help. We only hope and pray that we can bring her home. Thank you everyone for your support, it is greatly appreciated.