My name is Rev. Mike Lonergan. While serving a church in Tucson, AZ, my ministry included providing hospitality and advocating for Asylum Seekers on both sides of the border. I am continuing that ministry by raising funds to pay the court costs required for the family of Victor Acurio Suarez to appeal the ruling of an immigration judge denying Victor’s request for asylum in the US.

Victor is a 52-year-old man with developmental disabilities detained by I.C.E. agents in September, despite the ongoing asylum claim. At a hearing to obtain humanitarian parole, the judge instead denied Victor’s asylum claim and issued a deportation order, requiring Victor to return to Ecuador, where he had been beaten and left for dead. Victor’s attorney is representing him pro bono; the funds are needed to cover court costs.

The initial $500 needed immediately was provided as emergency funding by local advocates and groups already working with the family. Victor’s family will need to raise at least $1000 more to file the appeal. $3260 raised will cover all of the filing costs associated with this appeal. To cover GoFundMe’s fees and the filing costs, we set a goal of $4,000. Extra money raised beyond the court costs and GoFundMe fees will be used for transportation and family needs associated with the court dates.