My parents are hardworking people—the bread and butter of our family, the providers who made sure we always had food on the table and a roof over our heads. Receiving the call that ICE had arrived at their workplace placed a knot in my throat that words cannot fully describe. When I came home and heard my younger siblings asking, “What time are Mom and Dad coming home?” my voice began to shake. How am I supposed to explain to them that our parents will not be coming home today?

I recently turned 18, still trying to understand adulthood and my own future, yet I was suddenly forced to carry responsibilities far beyond my years. Overnight, I became responsible for caring for my three siblings—managing bills, scheduling appointments, and trying to hold our family together while grieving and struggling myself.

As if this pain were not enough, my sister was recently diagnosed with autism. She depends heavily on structure, care, and medical support. She had an important appointment today, but without my mother’s presence, I was unable to take her. This is not just an inconvenience—it is a setback in her care and well-being.

My parents are not criminals. The only “crime” they committed was entering this country in search of a better life for their children. They are honest, kind, and selfless people. They have never harmed anyone. They raised us with love, respect, and strong values. To see them taken away like this has left a wound in our family that may never fully heal.

We are not asking for sympathy—we are asking for humanity and what’s right. We need our parents home were they belong.

I also have zelle, if anyone would like to send it via zell please reach out to me.