AUGUST 2025 UPDATE: After pressure from ICE to leave the country earlier than her original departure date, Ester and her four children flew to Guatemala on July 11th. They are safe and doing well, all things considered. These donations were really helpful to her during this difficult time. Her house is still unfinished (thought now it is livable for her and the kids) and the only piece of furniture she has is a bed, so I will leave this fundraiser active in case anyone wants to donate.

Hi! My name is Camila and if you know me at all, chances are you've heard me bring up my friend, Ester. Ester is an immigrant from Guatemala, a mother of 4 kids, and one of my best friends. Ester and her oldest daughter, Nancy, are going to be deported back to Guatemala in July. Despite having three children who are US citizens, never having committed a crime, paying taxes, hiring an immigration attorney, and attending every immigration appointment, the US government has decided to send her back to a country in which she and her children will certainly face a life of hardship. It is unspeakably inhumane and cruel.

Ester and her partner have been slowly building a house in Guatemala throughout the years, sending money whenever they can. This house is on her partner's parent's land. However, it is not finished and they do not currently have the money to finish it before her deportation in July. The house does not have floors, windows, bathrooms, or a stove. Additionally, she will have to purchase five plane tickets to Guatemala for her and her kids, as well as pay for her children's educational costs, and purchase furniture for her new home. We are concerned that her home will not be finished in time for when she and her children arrive to reside there.

With her permission, I have created this GoFundMe fundraiser. 57.3% of the population in Guatemala lives in poverty (a statistic from the World Bank). I am sick with worry that she and her children will not be able to live comfortably, safely, or have access to quality health care and education. If you feel so inclined, please donate to her fundraiser. This money would alleviate some of the immense stress she is currently under and would make a huge difference in the lives of her children.

Ester is one of the bravest, most resilient, and kind people I have ever met and does not deserve the injustice that is being done to her. I love her like a sister and her children as if they were my own nieces and nephews. If you have any questions regarding Ester or this fundraiser, please reach out to me. I have tried to be brief here, but I am more than willing to answer any questions.

Here are some photos of her family (and my mom and me) over the past couple years:

Citation for Guatemala poverty rate:

https://www.worldbank.org/en/country/guatemala/overview