Help Bring Our Mom, Maria Laborin, Back Home

On November 28th, 2025, our mother, Maria Laborin, was unexpectedly detained by immigration. For more than 25 years, the United States has been her home. This is where she built her life, raised her children, worked tirelessly, and poured her heart into the community—just like anyone who has rooted themselves in this country.

For those who don’t know her: my mom began her family in 2004 with me, Michelle Felix. My mom is a force of nature—resilient, warm, generous, and brave. She has worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant for the past 7 years, caring for patients with tenderness, dignity, and patience. When she walks into a room, she doesn’t just do her job—she fills the space with compassion. She treats strangers like family, and she never hesitates to help anyone who needs it, even if it means giving the little she has. That is simply who she is.

Growing up, my mom never missed a moment. Every recital, every graduation, every school event—she was there, loud, proud, and glowing with love. My siblings and I are living proof of her strength and dedication:

My mom is not shy or quiet—she is bold, vibrant, and full of life. She has a heart of steel, a soul of fire, and a spirit that refuses to dim even when life becomes heavy. She came into the United States legally and has never committed a crime in her entire life here. She tried to do things the right way, applying for DACA . It should not be a battle to follow the rules, but somehow she has been made to struggle for doing exactly that.

Despite every hardship, she never stopped bettering herself. She earned her GED, her business certification, and her lash certification—always learning, always growing, always believing in a better tomorrow. Her optimism is something rare. Even now, in one of the hardest moments of her life, she still holds on to hope.

Without her, our home feels empty. Our rhythm has shifted. She is the heartbeat of our family—the one who brings warmth, stability, and joy. If you have someone in your life who anchors you, then you understand the kind of pain and fear we are feeling right now.

We are asking for help to raise funds for her attorney so that we can fight for her return home. Every dollar will go directly toward legal support for her case.

No matter how much I write, I cannot capture the fullness of who my mother is. Words fall short. You would have to experience her—her kindness, her fire, her humor, her unconditional love—to truly understand the kind of woman we are fighting for.

Please help us bring our mom back home.

Please help us bring back the heart of our family.

Thank you, deeply and sincerely.