Lilian is a devoted, hardworking single mother who came to the united states in February 2016 seeking asylum for herself and her young daughter, who is now ten years old. Like so many parents Lilian's only goal was to give her child safety, stability and a future filled with possibilities.

From the moment she applied for asylum, Lilian did everything she was asked to do. Year after year, she followed the rules, attend every appointment, and never missed a check in. ICE officers even visited her home for routine check-ins and she always cooperated. She maintained valid work authorization and trusted that by being honest and compliant, she was doing the right thing for herself and her daughter.

At the beginning of this year, Lilian was contacted by ISAP and informed of an upcoming immigration hearing. Although her attorney explained that attending was technically optional, ISAP later told Lilian that she was required to appear in person_ with her daughter. This appointment was out of the blue for Lilian as her work permit is valid until 2028 and has maintained a clean record. Despite this eerie gut feeling she trusted the system, and on January 20,2026, she pulled her daughter out of school--went to the appointment, never imagining it would change their lives forever.

While waiting, Lilian and her daughter were approached by ICE officers and escorted into an office. For the first time, she was told she allegedly had an order of deportation from 2023-- yet no proof or official paperwork was shown to her or her attorney at any point of the appoinment. She was handed documents written entirely in English, with no translation provided, and was told they concerned for her daughter, When in reality, they asked to sign self-deportation documents. Confused, scared, and under pressure, Lilian was processed without truly understanding what was happening, not allowing them their one phone call or any support.

The same night, Lilian was placed on a plane and deported to Guatemala, a country she had not lived in for many years. In a matter of hours, her life was torn apart. She was separated from her parents, siblings, and the home she built- despite doing everything right.

Now, Lilian and her young daughter are alone in a place that no longer feels like home, while their family remains behind, heartbroken and confused. We ask for your support to help reunite this family, Lilian's story is the result of a system that failed her and continues to fail many others