THIS HAS BEEN UPDATED IN BOLD

On Monday, June 22nd, our Capri Elementary community was shaken.

Angel, a devoted father in our school family, was detained by ICE. Overnight, his wife Mercelia was left to care for their two young children, including a baby at home, without the partner who had been the family's only source of income. Angel is a good dad and a good person. His daughter Breily (who just finished 1st grade at Capri) is one of the kindest, sweetest kids you'll meet, and she lights up the moment she sees him. She just wants to enjoy her summer vacation like every other child. Their family is now facing an impossible situation all at once: rent is due next week, and they are at risk of losing their home at the very moment they most need stability and safety.

Esmeralda, a wonderful mother to Axel, who just completed 3rd grade at Capri, was also taken on Monday morning as she arrived at her work. She is a single mom, and fortunately Axel is safe and healthy. But he is also very sad.

We are coming together as a community to make sure that these families are supported while they sort through what's next for them.. Funds raised will go directly to support the family with:

Housing — keeping them in their homes by covering rent and essential bills

Legal support — Angel's first hearing is July 6, and legal representation could cost $10,000–$15,000. We are still getting information on Esmeralda's hearing.

Daily needs — groceries and supplies, and funds for Angel and Esmeralda to make phone calls and purchase essential items while in detention.

Our immediate goal is simple: give these families the room to breathe, stay in their home, and get the legal help they need while they sort out what comes next. Anything raised beyond their immediate needs will go entirely toward legal costs and family care.

If you can give, please do. If you can't, please share this with everyone you know. Every dollar, and every share, helps to provide the children stability.

Thank you for showing up for one of our own.

I have permission on behalf of Angel and Esmeralda to withdraw the donated funds and send them to each family outside of GoFundMe. Since Esmeralda has been deported, I will send their portion of the funds to her partner, Reynau, who is caring for Axel. I will be sending Angel's portion of the funds directly to him.