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The Story: A Father Taken From His Newborn, Family, & Business
On February 10, 2026, Santiago Arias Alonzo was detained by ICE agents in Bedford, New York. The agents posed as prospective landscaping customers to draw Santiago out of his home. He was arrested, processed, and transported to Delaney Hall Detention Center in Newark, New Jersey — separated from his family with no warning and no chance to say goodbye. Santiago left behind six children. His youngest — just two months old — is a little girl who was born right here in the United States. She has Down syndrome and is in desperate needs of her father to provide care for her and their family.
About Me (The Fundraiser)
My name is Steven Capone. I am a resident of Bedford - NY, a husband, father, executive at a major financial services firm, and a caring citizen who is committed to doing his part to help a friend being impacted by our current immigration crisis.
Who is Santiago?
Santiago came to the United States from Guatemala over two decades ago in search of a better life for himself and his family. For over 20 years, he has called this country home. He has worked hard — often long, physical hours building his landscaping business — to provide for his children. He pays taxes. He shows up for his family. He is a fixture in his community in Bedford Hills and local church, known by neighbors, co-workers, and friends as a reliable, hardworking, and generous man.
Santiago is not a criminal. He is not a threat. He is a father, a provider, and a member of our community who has built his adult life here in America.
A Baby Who Needs Her Father
Santiago’s youngest daughter, Ailanny, was born in the United States just two months ago. She is an American citizen. She was also born with Down syndrome, which means she faces a lifetime of specialized medical care, therapy, and support. Right now, during the most critical period of her early development, she needs both of her parents. Children with Down Syndrome require early intervention services including speech therapy, occupational therapy, and physical therapy — often beginning in the first months of life. These are not optional. These are the treatments that determine whether a child thrives or falls behind. This baby’s father was taken from her before she was old enough to even recognize his face.
Without Santiago, the family has lost its primary income earner. Her mother is now caring for a medically vulnerable infant, while simultaneously trying to navigate a complex and expensive legal system to bring her partner home.
The Legal Fight Ahead
Santiago’s family has retained an immigration attorney and is growing a team of legal experts to actively fight for his release and his right to stay in the country he has called home for more than two decades. His legal team is pursuing cancellation of removal — a form of relief available to individuals who have been in the US for over 10 years, have demonstrated good moral character, and whose deportation would cause exceptional hardship to a US citizen family member.
Santiago’s case is strong, but the legal process is long, expensive, and unforgiving. Immigration attorneys, bond hearings, expert witnesses, document translations, and travel to the detention facility in Newark all cost money — and now the family's primary earner is behind bars.
Where Your Money Goes
Every dollar raised will go directly to supporting Santiago’s family through this crisis. I will treasure the funds personally to ensure funds are used appropriately and optimally.
Example expenses include:
- Immigration attorney fees and legal representation for bond appeals, cancellation of removal proceedings, and any additional legal filings
- Bond payment (if the appeal is successful and bond is granted)
- Expert witnesses and professional declarations, including medical experts for the baby’s case and country conditions experts
- Certified document translations and legal filings
- Family travel to Delaney Hall Detention Center in Newark, NJ for visits and legal meetings
- Medical expenses and copays for the baby’s ongoing specialist care
- Basic family living expenses while Santiago is unable to work
As an example of financial aide needed, the below offers a glimpse into the expenses the family faces to try and bring Santiago home:
- Immigration Attorney & Legal Fees: $20,000 - $30,000
- Bond (if granted on appeal): $5,000 - $15,000
- Expert Witnesses and Declarations: $3,000 - $5,000
- Document Translation & Certification: $1,000 - $2,000
- Family Travel to Detention Facility: $1,000 - $2,000
How You Can Help
We understand that not everyone can give financially, and that’s okay. Here’s how you can make a difference:
- Donate whatever you can. No amount is too small. $10, $25, $50 — it all adds up and it all matters.
- Share this page. The more people who see Santiago’s story, the better chance his family has. Post it on your social media. Send it to a friend. Text it to someone who cares.
- Write a letter of support. If you know Santiago personally, a character reference letter can make a real difference in his legal case.
This Is About a Family
Whatever your views on immigration, this is a story about a father and his children. It’s about a two-month-old American girl with Down syndrome who needs her dad. It’s about a man who has spent nearly 20 years building a life, raising a family, working hard, and contributing to his community — and who now sits in a detention center 50 miles from the baby who needs him most.
Santiago’s family is not asking for special treatment. They are asking for a fair chance. They are asking for the resources to fight for their family in a legal system that is stacked against people who can’t afford to fight back.
Please help them fight. Please help this baby keep her father.