Jorge Luis is originally from Colombia, but the United States has been his home since 1987, when he arrived here at just 8 years old. He is a devoted father to two sons and a true family man. His entire immediate family — his parents and brothers — all live here in the United States. He is charismatic, outgoing, hardworking, and a dependable person who has always provided for his two sons.

Just a few days before Christmas, our lives were turned upside down when he was suddenly detained by ICE. Being taken away during the holidays has been absolutely heartbreaking, especially for his children, who are now facing Christmas and the months ahead without their father. We are not sure how long he will be detained for, and time is critical. We urgently need to hire experienced lawyers to fight for his release before deportation proceedings move forward.

He is currently protected under the Convention Against Torture (CAT), which exists to protect people from being sent to countries where their lives would be in danger. Despite this protection, ICE is considering sending him to a third country instead of his home country of Colombia. This possibility is terrifying for our family, as we fear for his safety if he gets deported. Time is critical, and without immediate legal representation, we risk him being taken away from his family and children. The cost of experienced legal counsel is overwhelming, and our family simply cannot manage these expenses alone during a period of increasingly aggressive deportations.

We are asking anyone reading this to please help if you can — whether by donating (even a small amount truly makes a difference) or by sharing this fundraiser. Your support could help reunite a father with his sons and keep our family together. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your kindness, compassion, and support.