Daniel is a brave teen from Guatemala who came to the U.S. seeking safety and a better future. Instead of finding refuge, he is now unjustly detained by ICE — alone, cut off from his family and support systems.

Daniel is courageously fighting his immigration case from detention. However, detention takes a toll — physically, mentally, and emotionally. It is especially hard for a young person like Daniel who carries so much past trauma with him.

Before detention, Daniel loved playing soccer and baseball, learning English, working hard, and going to church. Now, he is locked up in a facility where he is not given enough food and can't afford basic commissary items. Despite the hardships, Daniel remains a person of deep faith.

There are two ways to support Daniel:

We are raising funds to support Daniel’s commissary account so he can access food, other essentials, and phone calls to friends and family. These small comforts help ease the weight of detention fatigue and restore his human dignity.

Just as importantly, we are also asking for messages of encouragement to remind Daniel that he is not alone, that people care, and that his fight matters. SEE BELOW FOR IMPORTANT LETTER INSTRUCTIONS.

No one should face this system alone — especially not a teenager with the courage to fight for his freedom.

Please donate what you can and leave a note of support for Daniel. No one should face this system alone. Your kindness can make a world of difference in Daniel's darkest hours.

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INSTRUCTIONS FOR LETTERS OF ENCOURAGEMENT

Send mail to:

HIAS PA

c/o Stephanie Lubert

PO Box 8688

Philadelphia, PA 19101

General:

- Use 8.5" x 11" paper (a standard sheet of paper) that will fit folded in a standard #10 envelope (approx. 4 1/8" x 9 1/2").

- No greeting cards with glitter, pop-up features, or glued items.

- No staples, paperclips, stickers.

- Do not write in crayon. Markers, ink pen, graphite pencils (including colored pencils), and printer ink allowed.

- Photos: Typically a limit of 5 photos per envelope is enforced. Maximum photo size is 4"x6". No Polaroids.

- With the exception of photos, do not enclose any items with the letter.

Letter Content:

- Spanish letters encouraged. Don't speak Spanish, don't worry! We will translate English letters into Spanish.

- We encourage messages of hope that offer encouragement and validation of Daniel's humanity.

- Consider sharing a joyous moment that brings you laughter.

-Get your children involved by having them draw him colorful pictures.

- Daniel loves meeting new people. Consider sharing a little about yourself.

- Daniel likes animals and hearing about (and seeing pictures of) people's pets.

- Share excerpts from your favorite stories or poems. Share song lyrics.

- Daniel gets strength from his strong Christian faith. You are welcome to share Bible verses, prayers, and words of encouragement from your faith.

- Please do not make commitments or promises that you cannot keep.

- Be aware that letters will be opened and possibly read by the detention facility. Be careful not to make any disparaging remarks about the detention or staff members.