After work, on Wednesday, November 12, Martin was being driven home by his nephew. Only a few minutes away from home, the two of them made a quick stop for gas, the last task of the day. It was there, under the fluorescent lights of a gas station, where the Galveston County Sheriffs tore a family apart and placed Martin and his nephew in detention.
His son, a US citizen, immediately drove to Galveston to try to see his father, only to be turned away. Martin has since been moved to an ICE Detention Facility in Houston, and Martin’s family has not been able to contact him since they last saw him before his detainment.
Martin has lived and contributed to the greater Houston community for over 23 years. He’s worked two jobs in construction and painting since arriving in the US, and has worked hard to provide for his family.
Now, this hardworking father faces deportation to a country he hasn't known for over two decades. If deported to Mexico, he has nowhere to go. Martin has no criminal record and has now been torn away from his son, simply for going to work and providing for his family.
His family has lost their sole provider and their foundation.
We cannot stand by. We need to fund a strong legal defense and to support his family while he fights for his freedom. This is about #DignityNotDeportation. Please, donate and share. Help bring a father home. #FreeMartin
El miércoles 12 de noviembre, después del trabajo, el sobrino de Martín lo llevaba a casa. A solo unos minutos de llegar, hicieron una parada rápida para cargar gasolina, la última tarea del día. Fue ahí, bajo las luces fluorescentes de la gasolinera, donde los alguaciles del Condado de Galveston destrozaron a una familia y llevaron detenidos a Martín y a su sobrino.
Su hijo, ciudadano estadounidense, condujo de inmediato a Galveston para intentar ver a su padre, solo para que le negaran el acceso. Desde entonces, Martin ha sido trasladado a un Centro de Detención de ICE en Houston, y su familia no ha podido contactarlo desde la última vez que lo vieron antes de su detención.
Martín ha vivido y contribuido a la comunidad del Gran Houston durante más de 23 años. Desde su llegada a Estados Unidos, ha trabajado en dos empleos, en construcción y pintura, esforzándose incansablemente para mantener a su familia.
Ahora, este padre trabajador enfrenta la deportación a un país que no conoce desde hace más de dos décadas. Si es deportado a México, no tiene a dónde ir. Martín no tiene antecedentes penales y ha sido arrancado de la vida de su hijo, simplemente por ir a trabajar y proveer para su familia.
Su familia ha perdido a su único sostén y su pilar fundamental.
No podemos quedarnos de brazos cruzados. Necesitamos financiar una defensa legal sólida y apoyar a su familia mientras él lucha por su libertad. Esto es por #DignidadNoDeportación. Por favor, dona y comparte. Ayuda a traer a un padre de vuelta a casa. #FreeMartin