The People's Coalition of San Juan Island is reaching out to support three immigrant women who recently faced a traumatic experience in our community. On July 7, these women were returning by boat to Roche Harbor after completing a housekeeping job on another island. They were arrested by the Coast Guard and transferred to ICE custody, and their lives were turned upside down. Two of the women were held and then deported.

Sadly, after aggressive questioning by an immigration judge, the third woman has agreed to voluntary departure in lieu of a deportation order. She is still being held in the Tacoma detention center. Her U.S. Citizen spouse has decided to move to Mexico with their child so that the family can be together.

The Local Immigrant Family treasury has provided legal support to the woman in custody and will assist her US citizen spouse in pursuing lawful permanent resident status, from Mexico. (LIFT is a legal support fund for SJC immigrant neighbors). You can donate to LIFT here.

This fundraiser will help the two deported women as they work to rebuild their lives. The funds will be used for travel, personal items, clothes, and food—basic necessities that will help them regain stability and dignity.

For the woman still being held, your support will allow her husband and their child to rejoin her in Mexico soon. In the meantime, it will replenish her commissary funds, allowing her access to personal items, extra food, writing materials, and communication with loved ones during this difficult time.

We invite our community to stand with these women and show them that they are not alone. Your generosity will make a real difference, offering hope and practical support when it is needed most. Please join us in helping these neighbors recover and move forward.