My name is Maria*, and I am a mother of two young children, a baby and a toddler with Down syndrome who requires ongoing medical care and therapy.

Recently, our lives were turned upside down when I was arrested by ICE without a warrant while I was taking my children to a doctor’s appointment. I was separated from my babies and taken nearly 700 miles away to a detention center in Louisiana.

Being separated from my children was one of the most painful experiences of my life. My children were left without their mother and primary caregiver, and without family nearby who could step in to care for them. During our separation, my babies missed important medical appointments and therapies. I was also suddenly unable to nurse my baby and struggled physically while trying to manage my own health from detention.

After a difficult legal fight, I was released from ICE detention after three months and am finally back where I belong, with my children. But the road ahead is difficult; coming home does not mean that the hardship our family experienced simply disappears, as I am also diabetic and lost my income, housing, and stability while I was detained.

I came to the United States seeking safety after surviving severe domestic violence in Guatemala. Since arriving, I have been working toward creating a safe and stable life for my children. Our sudden separation disrupted nearly every part of that life, and we are now trying to rebuild while I continue navigating my immigration case.

Today, I am asking for the support of our community as my family gets back on our feet.

Funds raised will help us with immediate needs, including housing, food, and transportation to my children’s medical appointments and therapies.. Your support will give me the ability to focus on caring for my children, restoring the stability they need, and continuing to fight for our future together.

I also respectfully ask anyone who knows our family more closely not to share information about my legal case, our location, medical providers, or other private circumstances. Protecting our privacy is one of the ways you can help protect our family during this time.

After everything my children have endured, my greatest hope is simple: to give them the safety, stability, care, and love they deserve.

Any contribution, no matter the amount, will make a meaningful difference for our family. If you are unable to donate, sharing our story is another powerful way to help.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you to everyone who advocated for my release, supported my children while I was away, and continues to stand beside us as we begin this next chapter together.

With gratitude,

Maria*