Dear friends and neighbors,

Jessica first attended my ESL classes for adults two winters ago. She started with zero English, but became a dedicated student and advanced quickly, finally joining our Level 3 class at the beginning of October. She lives on Chicago's far north side with her husband, who works as a barber, and her son, who attends elementary school. Jessica is currently employed by a large company to deliver packages using her personal vehicle. She prides herself on supporting her family and paying her bills on time.

When ICE began their current operation in Chicago, Jessica witnessed ICE agents stopping other delivery drivers and feared they would stop and arrest her next. ICE has arrested US citizens and legal residents, so it doesn't matter that Jessica is legally authorized to work in the US. She tried taking alternate routes to continue working, crossing highways and expressways, one time even parking her car in a strange neighborhood, leaving it there, and running home out of fear. On October 17th, ICE agents chased her son as he was leaving elementary school; fortunately he safely returned home.

Jessica no longer feels safe leaving home for work. She hasn't been paid in almost two weeks, but her biggest fear is being deported and leaving her son behind. Now her son is missing days of school, and her husband only cuts hair in private due to safety concerns. Even picking up food from the local pantry has felt too dangerous with heavy ICE presence in the neighborhood. As of the 29th, the family was out of food; Jessica has barely slept with anxiety.

Jessica is requesting support with November utilities and rent. She anticipates an eviction notice if rent isn't paid by the 5th. Rent for her family's apartment is $1400; she has additional bills due for gas ($78.16), electricity ($76), and the phone ($58.37). Paying her November bills will literally buy her time to arrange longer-term solutions, such as finding a safer job for herself and more sustainable transportation for her husband and son.

Thank you in advance for your support. Please note Jessica's name, photo, and other identifying information have been altered or omitted to protect her and her family.