I never imagined I’d be writing something like this. I hate asking people for help, but this is one of the most challenging, emotional times of my life, and of my children’s lives. Our dear friend, Yader Bustamante Lopez, is in crisis — and so are we without him.

Yader was born and raised in Nicaragua, where life was filled with hardship and poverty. He worked tirelessly to overcome his circumstances, learning English, going to college for Art History, and eventually coming here with his family in search of a better life and opportunity.

In the U.S., Yader dedicated himself to helping others. He worked for the Lackawanna Central School District, assisting Hispanic families — translating, interpreting, and helping newcomers find their footing in a strange new place. Later, he joined Tesla in Buffalo, NY, in the IT department, working with solar technology.

But Yader is so much more than his jobs. He became part of our family. My children adore him. He has been a rock for me during my divorce, stepping in to help care for my kids and filling our home with love, patience, and kindness. He is a good man who has worked hard every step of the way, even though life has never dealt him an easy hand.

Yader was here legally and was waiting on his application to remain and continue working. But on Saturday, August 16th, everything changed. Yader took a wrong turn at the Peace Bridge, and when he handed over his documents, several border patrol officers swarmed his car. They treated him like a criminal — making him put his hands on the vehicle — and then detained him.

For over six agonizing hours, I didn’t hear from him. His family and I were sick with worry. When I finally got a call, days later, he was limited in what he could say. He asked me to bring food and clothes, and then I learned he was sent to Batavia Detention Center after being hospitalized for stomach issues.

Visiting him there was one of the hardest moments of my life. It’s like a jail. He is kept behind glass, and we can only talk through a phone. No hugs. No comfort. He told me he has slept on the floor, and that he has to use the bathroom in the open, in front of dozens of others. This is inhumane. He is not a criminal. He was simply here to build a better life, following the rules, and now he’s being treated with cruelty.

I have seen firsthand what immigrant and refugee families go through in my work as an ESOL teacher in Lackawanna, NY. Now I am living it myself, to some extent. The least costly and safest option for Yader is to voluntarily deport back to Nicaragua. But if that happens, he will be dropped off with nothing. No home, no job security, nothing but the strength of his heart and the few resources we can pull together for him.

This is where I am begging for help. I would never ask if I wasn’t desperate. We need help with the costs of his legal process, the costs of sending him home safely, and the support he will need once he is there.

From My Kids:

From my daughter, Kamila (age 13):

Hello, My Gofunders,

My name is Kamila Pulka, and I am 13 years old.

I am setting up this fund for my mother’s friend, Yader Bustamante Lopez, who is currently detained, as well as for a woman my mom met in Batavia, whose husband is also detained there. This situation is heartbreaking, and we need as much help as we can get.

I’m also curious about the broader issues at play: Why is Trump making the decisions he is? Why is he unfairly targeting innocent people? I don’t have all the answers, but I know we need support to help Yader and the other woman’s husband, along with many others.

Additionally, I’m doing this to gain experience for the future. I want to learn how to help others tell their stories and set up their own GoFundMe campaigns.

Now, let’s explore Yader’s story as a young boy. Yader Bustamante Lopez faced many difficult circumstances during his childhood. He ran away from home at the age of 12 and encountered numerous challenges, but he maintained two important qualities: a good heart and a positive mindset. He was always ready to tackle tough situations, and he sought to help others, especially my mom.

You might wonder why this was the case; it’s because my mom had just gone through a difficult divorce with my father. This period was hard for my brothers and me, but Yader was there for us, supporting our family as we faced these challenges together.

Now that Yader is no longer with us, my mom feels alone. One of the main difficulties we face is that when Yader was taken from us on that Saturday, August 16th, my mom was left to cope by herself since my father and she shared 50/50 custody. When we spend time with our mom during the two weekdays and every other weekend, we try to make the most of it to ensure she doesn’t feel isolated.

While I don't know the full extent of Yader's difficult childhood, I can share that my brother Gab and I experienced our own trauma when we were adopted after being neglected by our biological mother. Now, with our adoptive parents, we have a wonderful life. Over time, the trauma has gradually diminished.

Since meeting my brother Benji in 2019, I’ve experienced a newfound sense of freedom and companionship, especially from my other brother, Gabriel. Lastly, if anyone reads this, please help us as much as you can so that we can bring Yader back into our lives.

From my son, Benji (age 11):

I’m 11 and my mom’s friend — who is my friend also — got detained and he got sent to Batavia. It’s sad without him around and I WANT HIM here. But Donald Trump said no even though Yader only took a wrong turn by Canada.

They treat him terribly there, like he has to use the toilet in front of 74 PEOPLE who probably did nothing wrong and probably can’t shower and wears a smelly blue jumpsuit!!! That is messed up.

So we are raising money to save him if they send him back to Nicaragua. If you donate even a dollar or 50 cents, I care and thank you dearly. Also, my mom moved THREE TIMES after getting a divorce and has to move ONE MORE TIME for us, and she has little money to help him. Please help.

We are hurting, we are scared, but we still have hope. Please, if you can help us in any way — through donating, sharing this page, or just keeping us in your prayers — we are forever grateful.

Thank you for standing with us.

With love,

Lydia, Kamila, Benji, Gabriel, and our dear friend Yader