I am an adult school teacher in Los Angeles. I and others at our school are trying to help one of our longtime students, Helio. When he suddenly stopped attending his math class and didn't return calls, we knew something must be wrong because this dedicated student always came to school. And as we found out, Helio and his family really need our help right now.

Walking on his way to the bus stop to go to work last fall, Helio was picked up by immigration agents, solely based on his appearance. They had no warrant, did not know his name, demanded to see his papers, and arrested him when he had no papers to show. He has been imprisoned in the inhumane Adelanto ICE Processing Facility since then. A federal lawsuit filed in January alleged “inhumane” conditions at the facility, including inadequate access to medical care, unsanitary facilities, and insufficient food and water.

A hardworking and honest member of our community, a caring and helpful brother, uncle and son, and someone who loves learning, Helio has no criminal record. Helio came to the United States as a young man like so many others, for a chance at a better life, education, and to help his family. Over the years, while working hard at often-tough jobs, he always made time for school. He has progressed from learning beginning English to where now, he is close to earning his high school diploma!

Like so many other law-abiding immigrants picked up, imprisoned and denied bond (bail) recently, Helio has built a decent, peaceful life here. He hasn’t hurt anyone and he is not a criminal.

We are trying to quickly raise funds to help his family secure legal help as they try to find a way for him to get out of detention, stay in L.A. where he has built a life, and work legally here. Helio has a hearing before a judge coming up very soon, on April 8th. His family has to pay a lawyer to represent him that day, and then continue to work on his case after that.

Legal fees are very, very expensive: many thousands of dollars. Although friends and family are working hard to find affordable legal aid, pro bono and low-cost lawyers are very overwhelmed these days, and time is quickly running out.

Please consider giving what you can and sharing this fundraiser with your networks as soon as you can. All donations will go toward Helio’s legal fees. We will provide updates as we have them. Thank you!