Don is a family friend and refugee who arrived in the United States as a child in the early 1980s with his entire family, seeking safety and a better life. Since 2002, he has complied with all immigration requirements, always checking in as required. Just a month ago, he was told to follow up in six months, but unexpectedly, he was detained by ICE and held for 10 days in El Paso, Texas. During this time, Don’s serious medical conditions—terminal lymphoma cancer, insulin-dependent diabetes, and heart issues requiring a cardiac defibrillator—became life-threatening. He was only released after the severity of his health issues was confirmed, but he returned home without any of his personal belongings, including his phone, which is essential for accessing medical care and transportation.
Upon his return, Don was immediately hospitalized for severe anemia, dangerously high blood sugar, and sepsis. He now faces the ongoing threat of deportation without the assistance of an attorney. Don’s apartment is only a block from where Alex Pretti was murdered by ICE, and he fears returning home due to the continued ICE activity and tension in his neighborhood. ICE agents previously entered his building by posing as an Amazon delivery, which is how they detained him. With so much fear and uncertainty, Don is afraid to go home and feels unsafe in his own community.
Don has very little family in Minnesota except for his mother, who is also very ill and unable to care for him. My husband and I have taken on the responsibility of supporting Don, welcoming him into our home to recover after his hospital stay, and preparing to care for him when it is time for hospice care at the end of his life. Sadly, Don’s life expectancy is 6-9 months, and his family cannot afford funeral expenses.
We are raising funds to help Don replace his lost phone and ID, cover medical transportation, pay for legal fees, provide out-of-pocket support for personal care assistance, and help prepare for funeral expenses. Your support will make a real difference in Don’s quality of life and help us provide the care and stability he needs during this incredibly difficult time. Thank you for standing with Don and our family.
Upon his return, Don was immediately hospitalized for severe anemia, dangerously high blood sugar, and sepsis. He now faces the ongoing threat of deportation without the assistance of an attorney. Don’s apartment is only a block from where Alex Pretti was murdered by ICE, and he fears returning home due to the continued ICE activity and tension in his neighborhood. ICE agents previously entered his building by posing as an Amazon delivery, which is how they detained him. With so much fear and uncertainty, Don is afraid to go home and feels unsafe in his own community.
Don has very little family in Minnesota except for his mother, who is also very ill and unable to care for him. My husband and I have taken on the responsibility of supporting Don, welcoming him into our home to recover after his hospital stay, and preparing to care for him when it is time for hospice care at the end of his life. Sadly, Don’s life expectancy is 6-9 months, and his family cannot afford funeral expenses.
We are raising funds to help Don replace his lost phone and ID, cover medical transportation, pay for legal fees, provide out-of-pocket support for personal care assistance, and help prepare for funeral expenses. Your support will make a real difference in Don’s quality of life and help us provide the care and stability he needs during this incredibly difficult time. Thank you for standing with Don and our family.
Organizer
