Fatima Is Home — But the Fight Continues
As we move beyond the holiday season and into a new year, many families across North Carolina are still facing uncertainty as loved ones remain entangled in the immigration system. One of those families was ours.
Today, we are incredibly grateful to share hopeful news:
Fatima Issela Velasquez Antonio has been released from ICE custody and is now home with her family. Being reunited during the holidays was a moment of relief, joy, and deep gratitude that we will never forget.
This milestone would not have been possible without the overwhelming support, advocacy, and compassion shown by so many in our community. Thank you to everyone who stood with Fatima during her detention.
Who Is Fatima?
Fatima is a 23-year-old young woman originally from Honduras. After losing her mother to cancer at age 12 and her father to gang violence two years later, she came to North Carolina as an unaccompanied minor seeking asylum. She has lived here for nearly a decade, working hard to build a life and navigate our immigration system the “right way.”
- She graduated from Corinth Holders High School
- She built a life, a home, and a future in North Carolina
- Her family, partner, and community are all here
Why Support Is Still Needed
While Fatima is no longer detained, her immigration case is far from over. As we enter the new year, she continues to fight for permanent legal status and, ultimately, a path to citizenship.
The legal road ahead is long, complex, and costly. Just as Fatima needed support while she was in custody, she equally needs continued support now that she is free — so she can remain with her family while pursuing her case and working closely with her legal team.
All funds raised continue to go directly toward her legal defense, including:
- Ongoing attorney fees
- Court filings and appeals
- Long-term immigration representation
A dedicated account remains in place, and all funds are distributed at the direction of Fatima’s legal team and family.
How You Can Help Now
This is not the end of Fatima’s story — it is the next chapter.
As we begin a new year, we ask that you continue to:
- Donate if you are able
- Share Fatima’s story with your networks
- Stand with her as she fights for the right to remain in the only home she knows
Together, we helped bring Fatima home. Now, together, we must help her stay.
Thank you for your continued kindness, generosity, and support as we move forward into the new year.
❤️ From our family to yours — thank you.
Organizer
