My name is Katie Martinez, and I am writing on behalf of my mother, Margarita Martinez.

Since the moment my mother set foot in this country, she has worked tirelessly to provide for our family. She is a hardworking, loving, and caring woman who has never caused harm to anyone. Throughout my life, she has consistently supported me and my siblings, encouraging us to pursue our dreams and build a better future. Everything she has done has been for the well-being, safety, and stability of our family.

On the night of Thursday, January 29, 2026, my mother was driving home from work when she was pulled over by law enforcement. She fully cooperated with the officers. After determining that she did not have a driver’s license and was not a U.S. citizen, she was taken into custody.

Shortly after, my father and I arrived at the scene in an attempt to retrieve her vehicle before it was towed. I arrived before the tow truck and provided proof that I have a valid driver’s license. Despite this, the officers refused to release the vehicle to me.

My family and I then went to the detention center where my mother had been taken. We were told to wait approximately 30 minutes so that we could post her bond. After waiting far beyond that time, no information was provided to us. We remained there until nearly 4:00–5:00 a.m. on Friday morning, at which point we were informed that a bond had been set. However, we were told that we could not post bail at that time and were instructed to return on Saturday.

On Saturday morning, before we were able to return, my father received a call from my mother informing him that ICE had taken her into custody. We later learned that her fingerprints and information had been sent to ICE, and that ICE placed a hold on her bond, preventing her release.

Following this, my father contacted multiple attorneys in an effort to help my mother. Many declined to take her case, stating that she had already been placed on a deportation list. Eventually, we were able to find an attorney willing to fight for her, seek a court date, and attempt to stop the deportation process. We have now been accepted as a case and have been given hope that there is a chance to bring my mother back home.

We are asking for support to help us continue this legal fight and to give our family the opportunity to stay together. My mother does not deserve to be taken away from everything she has worked for and from the family she has dedicated her life to supporting. She is a good person who has done nothing but try her hardest to provide a safe, healthy, and stable life for her loved ones.

Thank you for taking the time to read our story and for any assistance or consideration you may be able to provide.

Sincerely,

Katie Martinez