Our friend Jesus was detained today by ICE at the Memphis courthouse.

He had just finished his asylum hearing when officers asked him to follow them. Without warning, they placed him in handcuffs and took him away. He is now being transported to a detention center in Louisiana.

Jesus came to the United States from Venezuela, fleeing political persecution after the government targeted him for attending a peaceful protest. Fearing for his life and the safety of his family, who were also being threatened and whose family business was in jeopardy, he made the difficult decision to seek asylum in the U.S.

Since arriving, Jesus has done everything asked of him. He worked hard under a legal work permit, paid his taxes, and contributed to both his community here and his family back home. He paid off his mother’s home in Venezuela and supported her financially. He helped relocate his brother to Spain to escape the same inhumane conditions he fled.

Jesus didn’t just survive — he grew. He took English classes, learned quickly, and actively found ways to help other immigrants in his community who needed help understanding English. In addition to pursuing English learning, he had plans to enroll in a bachelor’s degree program in technology.

Beyond all of this, Jesus is also an incredibly gifted fútbol (soccer) player. His talent on the field brings people together, and his love for the game has been a source of joy and connection both here and back home. He’s the kind of person who lifts others up — on and off the field.

Now, instead of continuing to build a future, Jesus is in ICE custody. We are working urgently to secure his release and ensure he has legal representation. We are organizing this GoFundMe to help cover the cost of a lawyer and to pursue an obligor bond through ICE.

This fundraiser is also a call for awareness of the unjust and inhumane treatment many immigrants continue to face in this country.

Please help us bring our friend back home.

Jesus is a son, a brother, a teammate, a neighbor, and a light in our community. His absence is deeply felt by everyone who knows and loves him. We miss our friend. Help us bring him back to where he belongs — with his people, in safety, and free.