Right now, immigration enforcement is everywhere in the news. Behind those headlines are real families — and one of them is in our care. Two parents have been detained by ICE in San Diego, and their two children are now staying with us.
What makes this even more heartbreaking is how it happened.
The parents dropped their children off at school like any normal morning — and were detained by ICE immediately afterward. The children finished their school day unaware that their parents would not be there to pick them up.
Parents requested us to support in caring for the kids so they would not be placed in a detention facility or emergency foster care, especially given how traumatic the situation already is. Their support is limited out here as well. Our priority has been to keep them safe, together, and surrounded by people they know while their parents remain in custody.
This family did not come to the United States lightly. Before arriving here, they survived kidnapping and extreme danger in the jungles of Colombia while fleeing violence. Once they made it to the U.S., they followed the process: They applied for asylum when it was available, received work authorization, and worked honestly to support their family. They believed they were finally building a safe life.
Recently, the parents attempted to collect wages they were owed by an employer. During that dispute, comments were made referencing immigration enforcement. Shortly after, both parents were detained by ICE. We cannot say with certainty that retaliation occurred, but the timing is deeply concerning and deserves proper legal review — especially as the court process is moving quickly.
The parents are currently in active immigration court proceedings in San Diego. Their cases are listed as pending, with a preliminary hearing scheduled soon at the San Diego Immigration Court. This is a critical stage where having legal representation can make all the difference. Immigration court does not provide free attorneys. Without a lawyer, families often lose options simply because they don’t have time or resources.
Funds raised will go toward immigration attorney and bond-related legal fees, court filings and documentation, basic necessities for the children (clothing, food, school items), transportation related to court and detention, and phone calls and commissary while the parents are detained, so they can stay connected with their children and legal team. Every phone call home costs money. Staying connected matters.
If you’re able to donate, thank you. If you can’t, sharing this fundraiser helps more than you know. This family deserves due process. These children deserve stability. And right now, they need community. Thank you for standing with them.