Benito Miranda Hernandez, a U.S. Navy Veteran, is currently detained by ICE due to the 1996 immigration act, which has led to the mass deportation of military veterans. Although Benito has past convictions, he has made an immense leap forward in his personal growth. Prior to his detainment, Benito was attending school, working two jobs, volunteering, and receiving mental health treatment through the VA for issues attributed to his time in service. He was actively working on cleaning up mistakes from his past and striving to build a better future.

Now, Benito faces a challenging situation. He needs support for basic necessities like toiletries and the ability to make phone calls to his family, advocates, and legal representatives. If pro bono legal assistance cannot be found, he may need to hire a lawyer to fight for his right to stay in the country he served. Additionally, his mother must travel back and forth from Orange County to visit him, which adds to the financial strain.

Benito raised his hand and took an oath of allegiance to the United States of America. The freedoms we exercise every day are the result of the sacrifices that Benito and others like him made, yet he is not being allowed to enjoy them. That is wrong. Help us support and fight for his right to stay in the country he fought for. Every dollar helps. Every outreach to your elected officials—especially Congress—helps!