Help Me Continue My Legal Fight After ICE Detention

On August 5, I was on my way to celebrate my mom’s birthday when my life changed unexpectedly.

While at LaGuardia Airport in New York City, I was detained by ICE. I was chained, humiliated, and eventually transferred out of New York to a detention facility in Pennsylvania, where I spent 15 days in custody.

Those 15 days were some of the most difficult and frightening days of my life.

Thanks to the immediate action of my partner, my family, and the people who stood beside me, I was able to secure legal representation and eventually come home. I know how fortunate I am to be able to say that. During my time in detention, I met and heard the stories of so many people who did not have the same support, resources, or access to help that I had. That experience is something I will carry with me for a long time.

Coming home, however, did not mean that this was over.

My immigration case is still ongoing, and defending myself requires continued legal representation. Between the 15 days I was unable to work, the disruption this experience caused in my life, and the significant cost of immigration attorneys and legal proceedings, the financial weight has become difficult for me and my family to carry alone.

That is why I am creating this fundraiser.

The funds raised here will go primarily toward my legal defense and attorney fees as I continue fighting my case and working toward the ability to move forward with my life.

Asking for financial help is not easy for me. But this experience has reminded me how powerful community can be. The love and quick action of the people around me helped bring me home, and I am incredibly grateful to be surrounded by that kind of support.

If you are able to contribute, no matter the amount, it will help me continue this legal fight. And if donating isn’t possible, sharing this fundraiser with others would mean just as much.

Thank you to everyone who called, showed up, checked on my family, supported my partner, helped connect us with resources, and reminded me that I wasn’t facing this alone.

I am home. I am grateful. And I am continuing to fight.

With love and gratitude,

steven