Help Reunite Father and Young Child

On the last Friday of January 2018, our friend Miguel buckled his 2-year-old son, Radley, into his carseat, preparing to head to daycare and then on to another 8-hour work day.  Upon leaving his home, he was immediately blocked by Immigration and Costoms Enforcement Police (ICE).  Miguel has been held at the Frederick County Adult Detention Center since that day he was taken from his son.

Miguel is a single father who recently fought hard for full legal custody in an attempt to provide a loving, stable environment for his son.   Miguel is undocumented but had filed for his work VISA approximately one year ago, and has remained in a holding pattern since.   He is a hardworking, good, honest person who was excited to become a citizen of the United States.  Miguel and Radley have a special, very sweet relationship and Miguel is a devoted father.  

We have all read heart-wrenching stories in the news about parents being torn from their children and deported.  What happens to the children whose parents are deported?  If born in the United States, they are American citizens and are routed into the foster care system.  In these cases, parents may never know when they will see their children again.  Our friend Miguel was very lucky.  He had friends who offered to take on legal gardianship  of his son.  

Kevin and I have had Radley living with us since this unfortunate day.  He is such a loving, good boy which is certainly testamony to the qualities of Miguel's good parenting.  Our intention is to care for Radley until we are able to reunite him with his father.

We would be so grateful for your support!  The costs to make this happen will include interim daycare, Miguel's living expenses due to detainment, passport (for Radley), immigration attorney, and airfare  fees to name a few.  Many of us know the expenses in raising a child.  We have raised five children and understand the great importance of maintaining the healthy bond of child and parent. Frederick County Detention Center allows only one 20 minute visit a week (separated by glass...no touch), thereby visiting time is limited, but we take Radley to visit his father at every opportunity. Kevin and I are reaching out to our community for support in bringing Radley and Miguel together.