My name is Bethany Cosentino, and I am raising funds for Raul and Douglas Vasquez, who were unlawfully taken by federal agents/ICE while eating lunch outside their place of work. I was on the scene as a witness to what happened, and after speaking with Raul’s son, I offered to start this fund to help his family.

On Tuesday, November 4, around noon, Raul and Douglas were working a roofing job in Glendale, CA, when federal agents showed up out of nowhere. They did not identify themselves and did not present a warrant. Within minutes, both men were handcuffed and taken away. Raul’s 21-year-old son, who was also working, was not detained but had to watch as his father and cousin were thrown into the back of unmarked vehicles as if they were criminals. When asked where they were being taken, the officers gave no answer.

Now Raul’s son and his two younger siblings, ages 9 and 7, are without their dad—and his wife is without her husband. Douglas is also a father, with a teenage daughter and a partner who depends on him. Both men are incredibly hardworking members of their community and devoted fathers who have spent years providing for their families.

Their families are now facing a heartbreaking and unimaginable situation—suddenly without their main source of income and with urgent legal fees ahead. They’ve spoken with an attorney who requires a $5,000 retainer to begin the legal process, not including filing fees. On top of that, they’re struggling to cover rent and basic household expenses while they navigate this crisis.

If you’re able to help, it would mean so much to the families of Raul and Douglas. Every bit of support helps them cover legal costs, rent, and daily essentials as they fight to bring their loved ones home.

Please share this far and wide, and let’s help Raul and Douglas find the freedom they deserve. Every human being deserves to be treated with dignity and respect—what’s happening to our community members here in Los Angeles and across the country is cruel and inhumane.

With Gratitude,

Bethany Cosentino and the Vasquez family