Our colleague and friend, Dr. Melina Orozco Aislant, was detained by ICE this week and is currently in Arizona. For those of us who know her, it is painful to know she is far from her community while facing this process.

Melina has dedicated her life to caring for animals and supporting their families. She was a small-animal veterinarian in Venezuela and, after years of hard work, obtained her license to practice in Florida. Since 2023, she has worked as a DVM in the United States, where she has won the affection of the Jacksonville community through her skills as a physician and surgeon, as well as her empathy and compassion.

She holds certifications in acupuncture and Chinese medicine and has authored articles on veterinary topics for the general public. She is a member of AVVE and the Jacksonville Veterinary Medical Society, where she serves as a committee chair. Her colleagues know her passion for the profession and the dedication she brings to treating every patient.

Today, we want to stand by her, just as she has stood by so many others. AVVE is organizing and managing this campaign to cover her legal fees and—once bail is authorized—to help pay it. Our hope is for Melina to have legal representation and return home as soon as possible.

Any contribution, no matter how small, will help us support her. If you cannot donate, sharing this campaign also means a great deal.

Thank you for standing with Melina during this difficult time and for showing her that her community is behind her.

Dr Melina Orozco Aislant DVM