I am Mel raising money on behalf of the Villamil family who has been illegally detained by ICE. Two of the daughters were former students of mine and the family is one of the hardest working families I’ve known. UPDATE: mom and her two daughters have decided not to self deport and as a result are being transferred to ANOTHER detention center awaiting a court date.

From Maria and Juana :

“ My mom and two younger sisters are being detained in the detention center in Dania Beach, Fort Lauderdale, we are in an asylum seeker process pending court date to get a final decision, we started this process about 7 almost 8 years ago and we haven’t get one yet, we have social security, work authorization card and our asylum application papers. The immigration officers gave my mom two options to self deport with my sisters back to Colombia or spend the time in the detention center until we get a court date for a decision. My mom being the best Mom in the world and thinking in the best for her family decide to self deport so the process for my other two siblings, my dad and I can continue without having any problems even though this meaning our family will be separated. We just became inform that an asylum pending case even with all the documents and fees and taxes paid doesn’t give us an immigration status with the new laws of immigration that started a couple months ago. Lawyers said they can help us to get them out with a bond and have the chance to present the case in court. Fees for this type of representation is $15,000. If you can help with anything to help us cover this fee we will really appreciate your help in getting our family reunited again.”