I am urgently asking for your help in raising funds to keep my friend and her young son from being deported and separated from other family members here in the US. I have become very close to this family and am committed to doing whatever I can to ensure good legal representation so they have a fighting chance.

Three years ago, C entered the US from Mexico with her 4yo son at the Tuscan border patrol crossing. They registered for asylum and were allowed entry. She was able to reunite with other family members and settled in Berlin, MD. C works full-time, pays taxes and is active in her community. Her son is a good student in the local school system and loves to play soccer. C has done everything our government has asked of her - they have known where she is at all times and she has shown up for all scheduled check-ins.

I first met C when I volunteered to drive her to a scheduled ICE appointment in early August. She does not speak English, so I was worried we would just sit in silence. But by the end of that day, we somehow knew a lot about each other’s families and shared many laughs. The appointment seemed to go fine until they told her she would need to come back in a few weeks. Alarm bells went off in our heads.

Our worst fear came true when she was arrested at that Sept 29 appointment. They made her wait alone in a dingy room for hours, questioned her repeatedly, took all of her belongings before searching, fingerprinting and ultimately dispensing removal orders for her and her son. Every stage of this process is meant to belittle and break the spirit of human beings.

She fortunately was allowed to go back home with her family while awaiting their court date, but was fined $5130.00 even though she followed all the rules.

I have now spent many, many hours over the last two months with C and her son (he is a wonderful translator!). They are really just the loveliest people, and I will be devastated if they are forced to leave. I have seen first hand the cruelty this administration is so seemingly proud of.

She has been told they have a chance of winning their case, but the legal fees and fines could total approximately $20,000, which for almost anyone is an astronomical amount. Their initial court date is ironically on election day - November 3rd, so we don’t have much time.

I know there are many worthy causes out there asking for our attention. I am asking you to help this particular family because I know them. I have spent time with them. I have seen their kindness and how much they love each other. If you are able to contribute, any amount will help. And if you can't donate, please consider sharing this with others who may be willing to help.