On Wednesday you were at school with your friends; chatting, reading, and playing.

On Thursday you were reporting to what appeared to be a routine immigration meeting with your family. On Friday, you were being detained in a country that you and your family have never known.

That is what happened to our dear Juliana and her family. We are raising funds to support the family during this incredibly difficult time.

Currently, Juliana and her family are being detained in a shelter in Mexico, awaiting further transport to their home country of Venezuela. Anticipated timelines are unpredictable, however the family has been given a window of 6-8 months before transport. That is 6-8 months of uncertainty, in an unknown country, where Juliana is away from the structures of her home and school.

The Medina/Brito/Rondon family relocated to the United States a little over 2 years ago after fleeing the continued political and economic crisis in Venezuela. Like so many immigrants before them, they had hopes of providing stability to their daughter and assistance to their ill parents.

Approximately a year ago, the family applied for asylum. Under previous federal policies, asylum was denied, however they were granted a withholding of deportation due to a credible fear of persecution in their home country. During this time, the family worked hard; dad worked as a delivery driver and mom as a housekeeper. Juliana learned to read and write in English at a community school and made many friends.

Last week, the family was summoned to the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Office in what was believed to be a routine meeting. Despite the family’s legal withholding of removal, they were informed they were being detained.They were held in a facility in Arizona for one night and deported to Mexico the next night.

Juliana is a lively, friendly child who always wanted to chat. In fact she is known to chat the ears off of most adults, in any language! She loves books, being read to, and dramatic play. Juliana is always eager to share her ideas and new understandings of the world around her. Juliana’s English language learning journey from her first day of kindergarten to her first weeks of second grade is nothing short of incredible.

Juliana is well-loved by everyone at her school and within her community. However, as those who love her, we believe it is important we take our tears and support Juliana and her family through this difficult time. We are devastated by the continued inhumane deportations of immigrants by the US government. In spite of it all, we believe that we can help Juliana and her family during a heartbreaking time.

The funds raised will:

* Help with food, necessities, and immediate costs in the shelter they are currently being housed in Mexico

* Provide activities and toys to supplement Juliana’s interrupted schooling.

* Offset communication costs, such as phone, postage, and shipping

* Offset travel expenses to expedite Juliana’s family journey home to Venezuela, where they have networks of support.

*Offset costs to transport the family dog so they can be reunited once resettled in Venezuela

* Provide them a small foundation to rebuild their lives with dignity